A Sedation Program You Don't Want to Miss

This full day course at NJDA Headquarters will expand your expertise in delivering anesthesia and counts towards the 20 hours needed for PCS permit renewal.

Early Career Dentists!

From the Early Career Roadmap to in-person programs on practice start ups, practice acquisitions, and DSOs, you won't want to miss these free member resources!

New Jersey Dental Foundation

Take a moment to learn more about NJDA's brand new initiative to help the public learn more and gain access to oral healthcare! Read the mission statement, governance, structure and more.

Become an NJDA Member

Practice and career resources, community, trustworthy information, and more await you as an NJDA member!

Helping Members Succeed

The New Jersey Dental Association is the voice of the dental profession and a strong proponent of oral health in the state. Members are part of a vibrant community of dentists encompassing 12 local dental societies as well as the American Dental Association. Members engage in educational programs, have access to dentist-centric relationships and tools to navigate the business of dentistry and their careers, as well as benefit from dedicated advocacy that protects the interests of the profession. The organization is run by member-dentists with the support of a team of professionals at NJDA Headquarters. NJDA members never practice alone!

UPCOMING EVENTS

DENTAL NEWS AND NOTES

Virtual-Debit-Cards-VS-Virtual-Credit-Cards copy

Member Advisory: Your Payment Rights & New Insurance Practices

May 2, 2025
Some insurance companies are using third-party processors to bypass the intent of a new law that gives healthcare providers choice in how they are paid.

As a reminder, thanks to NJDA’s advocacy, S.3133/A.4913, was signed into law on January 8, 2024. This law requires health insurance carriers to reimburse health care providers using checks or electronic funds transfer (EFT), ensuring that dental practices are protected from being forced into costly virtual credit card (VCC) payments.

Quick Recap:

  • Bill Passed Assembly: 6/30/23
  • Bill Passed Senate: 12/21/23
  • Signed into Law: 1/8/24

NJDA’s Position:
We fully supported this law, which prohibits insurance companies from issuing virtual credit cards as the default payment method. This practice, which had been growing across the industry, often resulted in higher processing fees than typical credit or debit card payments—unfairly burdening dental practices. Our stance remains firm: you should not be paying unnecessary fees for claims payments when no-cost options like ACH (EFT) and paper checks exist. New Jersey joins a growing list of states that have taken action to stop virtual credit card payments, including Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah and more!


 

We are now hearing reports that some insurance companies are using third-party processors to bypass the intent of this law.

For example, we have received inquiries from some members that insurance carriers are using third-party payment processing companies to distribute reimbursements. In some cases, the carrier is notifying their network dentists to select a preferred payment method; otherwise, Virtual Credit Card payments will be issued by default unless you actively choose another option.

Important:
This practice works around New Jersey law by engaging a third party to manage reimbursement payments. While technically a workaround, it raises significant concerns and may still unfairly pressure your office into accepting higher-fee payment methods.

What You Should Do:

  • Watch your email carefully for communications about payment option changes.
  • If you receive a notice stating that Virtual Credit Cards will be the default:
    1. Keep a copy of the communication for your records.
    2. Contact NJDA immediately to report the issue.
      ➔ Contact: jperez@njda.org, Dental Practice and Health Policy Coordinator.
    3. Update your payment preferences proactively (EFT or check) to ensure you are receiving payments through a no-cost method.

We continue to monitor insurer compliance and are prepared to elevate these matters with state regulators as needed. Your vigilance is critical in holding insurance companies accountable.

Thank you for your continued attention to this important issue.

 

Contact Us

Phone: 732-821-9400 or dial the Staff Directly 
Fax: 732-821-1082 | Email: info@njda.org | Follow us @NJDentalAssoc
One Dental Plaza, North Brunswick, NJ 08902