Ryan Leads Legislation to Streamline Dental Insurance, Remove Costly Barrier to Care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A measure led in the House by state Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, will streamline dental insurance by allowing carriers to send payments directly to providers instead of having dentists collect payments directly from patients.

“I’m making our neighborhood a better place to live by getting rid of unnecessary financial burdens on the people here,” Ryan said. “If a person needs to get a cavity filled or a crown put in, they shouldn’t have to double check their bank accounts first. People pay for dental insurance so they can afford to take care of their teeth, and we’re getting rid of pointless financial transactions that get in the way of that.”

Ryan is continuing his work to cut costs of living and create a more efficient healthcare system by sponsoring Senate Bill 1392 as it passes the House. An initiative on behalf of the Illinois State Dental Society, the measure allows dental insurance carriers to send payments directly to providers instead of having dentists collect directly from patients or requiring payment upfront. This measure passed with unanimous support in the Senate.

“This measure is a simple step that cuts unnecessary work from our dental health system and ensures payments move more cheaply and quickly,” Ryan said. “We are bringing dental health in-line with other medical care procedures in Illinois and making life easier for patients.”