Senate Insurance Committee advances bill requiring dentists' opt-in for credit-card insurance payments

Senator Paul presented Senate Bill 192 on behalf of the Louisiana Dental Association, saying some insurers currently remit payments to dental providers via credit card and the merchant fees (about 2.5%–5% per transaction) can reduce the amount a dentist receives. Annette Drati of the Louisiana Dental Association testified that Louisiana law currently relies on an opt-out model and the proposed change would require dentists to opt in to receive digital payments by card.

The bill would require a dentist to sign a document consenting to credit-card remittances before an insurer may pay by that method. Drati said insurers in some cases make dentists opt out annually, and SB192 would shift that to an explicit opt-in so providers are not charged unexpected fees.

Chair recognized written green-card support from multiple Louisiana Dental Association members; no one requested to speak against the bill. Senator Paul moved to report SB192 favorable and, seeing no opposition, the committee reported the bill favorable.

The measure will proceed to the next committee(s) as required by legislative procedure.