S.1164 - Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1164, the "Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act," aims to amend Section 1321 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The bill seeks to allow more individuals to enroll in standalone dental plans offered through Federal Exchanges, regardless of their enrollment status in a qualified health plan.
This change would remove a restriction that currently prevents individuals from accessing standalone dental plans if they are not also enrolled in a qualified health plan through the Exchange. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase access to dental insurance for individuals who may not need or want a full health insurance plan but still desire dental coverage. This could lead to a greater number of people having dental insurance, potentially improving overall dental health outcomes.
It might also create more competition among dental insurance providers within the Federal Exchanges. This could potentially lead to lower premiums or better benefits for consumers.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to dental insurance for individuals not enrolled in qualified health plans.
- Potential for improved dental health outcomes due to increased coverage.
- Greater competition among dental insurance providers, potentially leading to lower premiums.
- More choice and flexibility for consumers in selecting health and dental coverage.
- Addresses a specific gap in the Affordable Care Act related to dental coverage.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to the federal government if more people enroll in subsidized dental plans.
- Possible adverse selection issues within the dental insurance market, where only those needing extensive dental work enroll.
- May complicate the administration of the Affordable Care Act exchanges.
- Could lead to some individuals forgoing comprehensive health insurance in favor of cheaper dental-only plans, potentially leading to uncovered medical needs.
- The impact on overall healthcare costs is uncertain and may require further evaluation.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), as it aims to improve access to dental care, which can be considered part of the overall well-being of the population. Additionally, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
However, the extent to which the federal government can regulate healthcare is a recurring debate, and some may argue that this bill expands federal power beyond what is constitutionally permissible. The bill itself does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).