Dental and Optometric Care Access Act
Bill journey · stage 2 of 5
Under committee review
What it doesSummary introduced in house (Jul 29, 2015)
Dental and Optometric Care Access Act or the DOC Access Act
This bill amends the Public Health Service Act to prohibit group health plans and individual health insurance coverage from setting rates for items and services provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine for which the plan or insurer does not pay a substantial amount.
An agreement between a plan or insurer and such a doctor: (1) may only be changed with the doctor's acknowledgement and acceptance, and (2) may not last longer than two years if the agreement is for limited scope dental or vision benefits.
Such a doctor must be allowed to participate in a: (1) plan or coverage without accepting terms for ancillary services or procedures, and (2) provider network without participating in a specific limited scope dental or vision benefit plan.
Plans and insurers may not: (1) directly communicate with an enrolled individual in a manner that interferes with an existing doctor-patient relationship or a state or federal requirement, or (2) restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers.
The bill establishes a private right of action for a person adversely affected by a violation of this Act.What just happenedJul 31, 2015
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Who’s behind it
- Introduced in HouseJul 29, 2015
- Jul 31, 2015Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Health Subcommittee - Jul 29, 2015IntroReferralH11100
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Energy and Commerce Committee - Jul 29, 2015IntroReferralIntro-H
Introduced in House
- Jul 29, 2015IntroReferral1000
Introduced in House