RI S2461

Amends Rhode Island's Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act to require dental insurers to honor "direction to pay" requests from insured persons or claimants, allowing direct payment to dental service providers regardless of whether the provider is in-network with the insurer

Prohibits insurers from reducing or modifying benefit amounts paid directly to dental providers compared to benefits paid to participating providers, though insurers retain the right to review provider records to verify services were rendered

Bans contracts between insurers and dental service providers that require providers to accept payment only by virtual credit card

Requires insurers to inform dental providers of alternative payment methods and prohibits charging fees for payment access, claims data, or payment transmission/processing

Applies to all domestic, foreign, and alien insurers settling dental claims in Rhode Island, regardless of where the health benefit plan was issued; takes effect upon passage