Nevada dentists are backing a bill that would raise the state's requirement for spending by insurance companies.
State Sen. Heidi Seevers Gansert filed an insurance reform bill to raise the requirement for spending on patient care, the Nevada Dental Association says.
Under the bill, at least 80% of the money that dental insurance companies collect from patients would have to be spent on dental care.
The Dental Association says this change would match Nevada's existing requirement for spending on medical care.
"Dental patients deserve the same consumer protections as medical patients," Seevers Gansert said in a statement. "Empowering our Division of Insurance to ensure premiums are being spent on dental care in the proper ratio to improve outcomes will help Nevadans live healthier and happier lives."
The bill would require insurance companies to submit financial statements that report on their use of patient premiums. If those companies don't meet the 80% requirement, they would have to refund the difference to patients.
Nevada's insurance commissioner would also approve proposed rates for dental insurance plans, and the state Division of Insurance would publish a list of insurance companies that are in and out of compliance.
Backers say the bill is inspired by a ballot question with similar language that voters in Massachusetts overwhelmingly passed last month.
Nevada's upcoming legislative session begins on Feb. 6 next year.