What the Competitive Health Insurance Act means for dentists

Jan. 25, 2021

What does the passing of this new act mean for dentists? Dr. Abe Abdul explains that it's a big step in the right direction toward insurance company transparency. Here's what the act does.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

What is the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act, and what does it mean for dentists? Dr. Abe Abdul has been advocating for the passing of this act for some time, and he's happy to report that it will help dentists and other small health-care business owners.

In his chat with Dr. Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, Dr. Abdul explains that the McCarran-Ferguson Act of 1945 created a unique environment that allowed insurance companies to share information and data. The companies are essentially allowed to violate antitrust laws by communicating with one another and mitigating competition. This creates an environment that leads to a disadvantage for both consumers and the health-care profession.

Dr. Abdul joined others in advocating for change, and he's happy to report that the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act will do just that. He advises dentists not to expect immediate change. But eventually he and his peers will see the development of more insurance companies and more competition between existing companies, among other changes. Also, the insurance burden on small health care business will be somewhat lifted.

And he's not stopping there. Tune in to learn more about the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act and to find out what else Dr. Abdul is advocating for.

For more informative and up-to-the-minute video chats with key industry experts, visit DentistryIQ Videos.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].