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Improved Access to Dental and Optometric Care

New rules aim to enhance access to dental and vision services. Doctors will have more flexibility in pricing non-covered services, and insurance plans cannot restrict their choice of laboratories. Agreements with doctors can only be extended beyond two years with their prior acceptance.
Key points
Dentists and optometrists can set their own prices for services not covered by insurance, as long as they are equal to or less than their usual rates.
Insurance plans cannot restrict doctors' choice of laboratories or suppliers for services and materials.
Agreements between doctors and limited scope dental or vision plans can only be extended for terms longer than two years with the doctor's prior consent.
Individuals can take legal action for violations, potentially receiving monetary damages and attorney's fees.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_1793
Sponsor: Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV]
Process start date: 2021-05-24
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

DOC Access Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_1793.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-05-24.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Dentists and optometrists can set their own prices for services not covered by insurance, as long as they are equal to or less than their usual rates.
  • Insurance plans cannot restrict doctors' choice of laboratories or suppliers for services and materials.
  • Agreements between doctors and limited scope dental or vision plans can only be extended for terms longer than two years with the doctor's prior consent.
  • Individuals can take legal action for violations, potentially receiving monetary damages and attorney's fees.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Manchin, Joe, III [D-WV].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

CATEGORIES

Health