04/18/2000 02:04 PM Senate L&C

                   HB 121-DENTAL CARE INSURANCE                                                                             
                                                                                                                              
MS. PATTY  SWENSON, legislative  aide to  Representative Con  Bunde,                                                            
stated  CSHB 121(L&C)  will allow  consumers to  choose any  dentist                                                            
they wish to  see including specialists.   It will prevent  insurers                                                            
from reimbursing  a covered  person at a  different rate because  of                                                            
the person's choice  of dentist.  CSHB 121(L&C) gives  consumers the                                                            
right  to receive  full  information  regarding their  care  options                                                            
without the fear  of adverse actions from insurance  companies.  The                                                            
bill will also  allow patients to  take civil action against  health                                                            
care insurers  to enforce their rights,  and it requires  any dental                                                            
treatment  plan review or  utilization review  to be conducted  by a                                                            
dentist.                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR LEMAN  suggested letting the drafters know  of the technical                                                            
change to the bill in Section 1.                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR KELLY asked if dentists are supporting CSHB 121(L&C).                                                                   
                                                                                                                              
MS. SWENSON answered yes.                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                                
SENATOR LEMAN  moved CSHB 121(L&C)  with individual recommendations                                                             
and  accompanying  fiscal  notes.   Without  objection,  the  motion                                                            
carried.