s_hhs_2017a_2017-02-22t10:58:00z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/22/2017

Location: SCR 354

10:58 AM -- SB 17-190



Senator Crowder, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-190 and distributed amendment L.001 (Attachment A). This bill prohibits insurance carriers that offer benefit plans covering dental services from requiring a participating dentist to provide services at a fee set by, or subject to the approval of, the carrier unless certain conditions are met. Specifically, carriers can only set the fee if the services are covered under a person's policy, and the carrier provides payment for the service under the policy in an amount that is reasonable and not nominal or de minimis.



170222 AttachA.pdf



Under the bill, a dentist may charge a person covered by a dental plan for noncovered items or services in any amount determined by the dentist and agreed to by the patient that is equal to, or less than, the usual and customary price that the dentist charges for such items and services. Violations of the provisions of this bill constitutes an unfair method of competition and unfair or deceptive practice in the business of insurance.



11:00 AM -- Dr Michael Varley, Colorado Dental Association, testified in support of the bill.



11:05 AM -- Dr. Jason Ehtessabian, Colorado Dental Association, testified in support of the bill.



11:09 AM -- Dr. Marilyn Ketchum, Colorado Dental Association, testified in support of the bill.



11:12 AM



Committee discussion and questions followed.





11:29 AM -- Charlie Sheffield, Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in neutral position on the bill. Mr. Sheffield responded to questions from the committee.







11:36 AM



Senator Crowder made closing comments.