Insurance premiums in dentistry: Delta Dental’s policy and the role of regulatory oversight in protecting practice interests

The American Dental Association has appealed to insurance regulators to reconsider a new policy from Delta Dental of California, which as of January 1, 2027 provides for charging a payment of $15 USD per week for receiving claim reimbursements by check instead of electronic transfers. The Association insists that providers should have the right to choose the method of receiving payments without loss of part of the reimbursement.

Scope and financial impact of the new policy

Delta Dental is a national system of independent insurance companies with its own network of preferred service providers, which includes more than 112 thousand dentists. The policy applies to Delta Dental of California and related companies serving 15 US states and the District of Columbia.

With a weekly fee of $15, the annual additional expenses of one practice will amount to approximately $780. If even 1,300 practices receive payments by check throughout the year, the aggregate fees will exceed 1 million dollars. Such expenses have a disproportionate impact on dental practices, many of which are small businesses with limited administrative resources.

Position of professional organizations

The ADA sent a letter to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners on July 8, urging regulators to oppose the policy limiting providers’ choice in the method of receiving reimbursement. The Association argues that additional administrative expenses create excessive financial burden for practices and ultimately increase treatment costs for patients.

Dr. Shelly Olson, Chair of the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs, noted that the imposition of check payment fees increases treatment costs for patients and financial burden for practices, diverting resources from direct patient care. This position reflects the concerns of the professional community that insurance company administrative requirements do not hinder the efficient operation of clinical facilities and do not worsen the accessibility of dental services.

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