Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1164
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-20T11:03:28Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The "Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act" (S. 1164) aims to expand access to standalone dental insurance plans offered through Federal Exchanges under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It removes barriers that previously limited enrollment in these plans to only those also buying a full health insurance plan, making dental coverage more available to a broader group of people.
Key Provisions
- Amendment to the ACA: The bill adds a new subsection (f) to Section 1321 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (42 U.S.C. 18041).
- Enrollment Flexibility: It prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) from blocking qualified individuals from enrolling in standalone dental plans (as defined in ACA Section 1311(d)(2)(B)(ii)) through a Federally facilitated Exchange, solely because they are not also enrolled in a qualified health plan (QHP, which is a basic health insurance policy meeting ACA standards).
- Short Title: The legislation is titled the "Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act."
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Under current ACA rules, standalone dental plans through Federal Exchanges are typically only available to people who are also buying a QHP during open enrollment. This bill eliminates that requirement, allowing independent enrollment in dental-only plans via these Exchanges.
- No changes are made to state-based Exchanges or other aspects of health insurance; the focus is narrowly on Federal Exchanges and dental plans.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Increases options for affordable dental coverage, particularly for individuals who need dental insurance but do not qualify for or want full health plans. This could help uninsured or underinsured people access preventive and essential dental care, potentially reducing overall health costs by addressing oral health issues early.
- On Government Agencies: The HHS Secretary gains explicit authority (and a mandate) to facilitate broader enrollment, which may require updates to Exchange systems and enrollment processes. This could lead to higher administrative workload but also more efficient use of the Exchanges.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill is domestic health policy focused on U.S. insurance markets.
- Broader Effects: May boost enrollment in dental plans, benefiting public health by improving access to services like cleanings, fillings, and treatments that are often not covered by basic health insurance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Individuals and Families: Qualified individuals (U.S. residents eligible for Exchange coverage) who seek dental-only insurance without a full health plan.
- Dental Insurers and Providers: Companies offering standalone dental plans through Exchanges, who could see increased enrollment and revenue; dentists and oral health professionals may gain more insured patients.
- Federal Government and Exchanges: HHS and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which operate Federal Exchanges, will need to implement policy changes.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Senators Hassan, Marshall, Coons, Tillis, Curtis, Shaheen, Grassley, Peters, and Capito, indicating support from both major parties.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the ACA's framework by promoting flexibility in coverage options without altering core mandates. It aligns with the ACA's goal of expanding access to essential benefits, where dental care is treated as an optional add-on. No conflicts with existing federal insurance laws are evident.
- Constitutional: Does not raise significant issues, as it involves Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate health insurance markets. It avoids mandates, focusing on removing restrictions.
- Political: Bipartisan introduction suggests potential for broad support and easier passage. It addresses a gap in ACA implementation criticized for limiting dental access, potentially appealing to voters concerned with healthcare affordability amid ongoing debates over ACA reforms. Referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions for further review.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Cosponsors (11)
Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE], Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC], Sen. Curtis, John R. [R-UT], Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA], Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY], Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2025-03-27: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (2 pages)