Federal noncovered services legislation reintroduced

Reps. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) and Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act (HR 1521) in the 119th Congress. The bill would prohibit dental and optometric plans covered under ERISA from capping fees on services they do not otherwise cover. Currently, 43 states have similar laws; however, federal legislation also is needed, as many dental plans are regulated at the federal level by ERISA rather than at the state level. AAOMS signed onto a coalition letter with other dental provider groups in support of the bill