Making dental insurance work for dentists and patients, not just insurers
Working for Better Dental Insurance in Illinois
Dental insurance should work for patients and the dentists who care for them. The Illinois State Dental Society is working to improve transparency, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and make dental insurance work better for Illinois families and dental practices.
8 Major Wins. One Powerful Voice.
| Advocacy Win | Year Passed | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Cranial Facial Anomalies | 2022 | Requires health insurance to cover services for children with cranial facial anomalies. |
| Virtual Credit Cards | 2023 | Stops insurers from forcing dentists to absorb processing fees on electronic payments. |
| Network Leasing Transparency | 2023 | Requires notice and opt-out when insurers lease dental networks. |
| Jaw Injury Insurance | 2024 | Requires health insurers to cover medically necessary care for major jaw injuries. |
| Prior Authorization Reform | 2024 | Insurers must honor valid prior authorizations unless specific conditions are met. |
| Assignment of Benefits (AOB) | 2025 | Insurers must send payment directly to dentists when patients request AOB. |
| Electronic Claims Submission | 2025 | Requires insurers to support electronic claims and provide 22 data points about patient benefits. |
| Virtual Credit Card Strengthened | 2026 | Dentists must opt in, and insurers face new transparency and 30-day response rules. |
What This Means for You.
These reforms make everyday practice easier, and they wouldn’t be possible without organized advocacy.
A Strong Voice
for dentists in the legislature
More Transparency
from insurers
Less Time
on administrative tasks
Membership Makes Advocacy Possible
ISDS continues to monitor insurance practices, advocate for Illinois dentists and pursue reforms that bring greater transparency and accountability to dental insurance.