During its most recent meeting, the NJDA Board of Trustees approved a $50,000 contribution to support a Massachusetts Ballot Initiative requiring dental carriers in that state to spend at least 83 percent of annual premium dollars on patient care instead of administrative costs, salaries, and gross profits.
Should the voters of Massachusetts approve this important ballot measure, it will set a precedent that could herald future change for dental insurance reform across the country. Dental insurance companies, which oppose the Massachusetts ballot measure, have already invested millions in their own campaign to try to convince voters to vote "no".
If this ballot initiative passes, Massachusetts dental carriers that do not meet this minimum Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) standard will have to refund the difference to its policyholders. In New Jersey, Medical Loss Ratio is already statutorily required on all dental insurance carriers. Medical Loss Ratio requirements force carriers to better manage costs and use beneficiaries’ premium for what they are intended - patient care – and not carrier profitability.
The NJDA is a national leader in dental insurance reform having enacted numerous legislative actions over the decades aimed at increasing accountability, transparency, and enhancing consumer protection. The Board of Trustees authorized this contribution to the Massachusetts Dental Care Providers for Better Dental Benefits Campaign as a continuation of its national leadership in dental insurance reform.
The American Dental Association recently appropriated a $5 million contribution to the campaign to help bolster public awareness that a ‘yes’ vote will hold the dental insurance companies accountable and ensure their premiums are spent on their care.
The ballot measure was initiated by a group of Massachusetts dentists, and the Massachusetts Dental Society Board of Trustees voted to endorse supporting the ballot question earlier this year. Visit https://voteyeson2fordental.com for more information, and to learn how you can get involved.
For more information on the NJDA’s insurance reform initiatives, and its other advocacy activities, please visit www.njda.org/advocacy..