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Improved Access to Dental and Optometric Care

New rules aim to enhance access to dental and optometric services, giving patients more freedom in choosing their doctors and laboratories. The act limits insurers' influence over prices for services not fully covered and over the choice of suppliers, potentially reducing costs and increasing care availability.
Key points
Dentists and optometrists can set their own prices for services not fully covered by insurance, offering more flexibility.
Insurers cannot restrict doctors' choice of laboratories or suppliers, potentially leading to more competition and better prices.
Agreements with dental and vision plans can be extended for longer than 2 years only with the doctor's prior acceptance.
States have the authority to enforce these provisions, and if they fail to do so, the federal government may intervene.
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_1385
Sponsor: Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Process start date: 2023-03-07
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Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

DOC Access Act of 2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_1385.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-03-07.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Dentists and optometrists can set their own prices for services not fully covered by insurance, offering more flexibility.
  • Insurers cannot restrict doctors' choice of laboratories or suppliers, potentially leading to more competition and better prices.
  • Agreements with dental and vision plans can be extended for longer than 2 years only with the doctor's prior acceptance.
  • States have the authority to enforce these provisions, and if they fail to do so, the federal government may intervene.
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 Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

CATEGORIES

Health