Bill Summary
The "Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act" aims to enhance access to standalone dental insurance plans available through Federal Exchanges. This legislation amends Section 1321 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) by allowing individuals to enroll in standalone dental plans without the requirement to also enroll in a qualified health plan. Essentially, it removes restrictions that previously required individuals to have health insurance in order to access standalone dental coverage, thus broadening the options available to consumers seeking dental insurance.
Possible Impacts
The "Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act" as described could affect people in the following ways:
1. **Expanded Access to Dental Coverage**: Individuals who previously may not have had access to dental insurance due to the requirement of being enrolled in a health plan can now enroll in standalone dental plans. This change allows more people to obtain necessary dental care, which can improve overall health outcomes by enabling regular check-ups and preventive care.
2. **Increased Affordability**: By allowing standalone dental plans to be available through Federal Exchanges, individuals may find more affordable options tailored to their needs. This could reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental services, making it easier for families and individuals to budget for dental care and potentially leading to higher utilization of dental services.
3. **Encouragement of Preventive Care**: With easier access to dental plans, individuals may be more likely to seek preventive dental care, such as cleanings and check-ups. Improved dental health can lead to better overall health, as many systemic health issues can be linked to oral health. The availability of standalone dental plans can promote the importance of dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1397 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1397
To allow additional individuals to enroll in standalone dental plans
offered through Federal Exchanges.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
February 18, 2025
Mrs. Miller-Meeks (for herself and Mrs. Dingell) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To allow additional individuals to enroll in standalone dental plans
offered through Federal Exchanges.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Increasing Access to Dental
Insurance Act''.
SEC. 2. STANDALONE DENTAL PLANS.
Section 1321 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42
U.S.C. 18041) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(f) Availability of Standalone Dental Plans.--The Secretary may
not restrict any qualified individual from enrolling in a plan
described in section 1311(d)(2)(B)(ii) offered through an Exchange
established pursuant to subsection (c) on the basis of such qualified
individual not being also enrolled in a qualified health plan offered
through the Exchange.''.
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