Fewer adults in Alabama visit the dentist compared to other states, with the fifth-worst rates of adults seeing a dentist each year. Oral health among children is also declining, with 15% of Alabama’s children suffering from tooth decay and other dental issues – higher than the national average. These numbers show that families across our state are struggling to get the care they need, and it’s time for change.
Unfortunately, Alabama dental insurance plans are making this problem worse. Dentists care about their patients and oppose any unfair practices like padding insurers bottom lines that limit patients’ access to the quality care they need.
More for Your Smile is a coalition of patients, dentists and oral health advocates who want to improve dental insurance benefits in Alabama.
The Issues
Alabama’s dental insurance system is failing patients.
In Alabama, dental insurance plans are not required to spend any specific amount of your premium on actual dental care. As much as 40% of premium dollars are instead spent on executive salaries, corporate profits, bonuses and administrative costs, not on patient care. Meanwhile, dental insurance executives’ compensation and profits continue to rise — while patients struggle with insufficient coverage.
This lack of accountability leaves many patients forced to delay or skip necessary treatments. At the end of the year, Alabama families are often put in the difficult position of either rushing to use their remaining dental benefits or losing them altogether. Patients should be able to use the benefits they’ve paid for, without an expiration date.
It’s not fair, and it’s not right. No one should have to delay treatment or suffer because their insurance prioritizes profits over their health.
What We Believe
It’s time for Alabama’s dental benefits to work for patients, not for corporate executives.
More Transparency
We believe you have the right to know where your dental insurance premiums go.
More Accountability
Dental insurance plans should be held responsible for how they spend your money.
More Value for Patients
Your hard earned money should directly benefit your care.
Our Patient-Centered Solutions
Putting Patients Over Profits
In Alabama, dental insurance companies aren’t required to spend a specific portion of your premiums on dental care. They also don’t have to tell you how much of your money goes to care versus executive salaries or profits. Patients are left wondering where their hard-earned money is going while struggling to get the care they need.
Our proposed Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) legislation will change that. It will require dental insurance companies to spend at least 85% of your premiums on patient care and disclose how they’re using the rest. This will ensure more of your premium dollars go toward the care you need, not corporate profits.
With an MLR in place, more of your money will go to your dental care—or you’ll get a refund. Patients will finally have transparency and accountability from their insurance providers.
Increase Benefits Roll-Over Maximums
Currently, unused dental insurance benefits are lost at the end of each year, causing patients to lose out on the full value of their dental insurance plans.
Our proposed legislation will allow unused dental benefits to roll over into the following year.
This change will help patients use their benefits more effectively, reducing the need for rushed procedures and ensuring they get the most out of their insurance coverage.
Want to Make a Difference?
Take Action
You can make a real difference! In just a minute or less, contact your lawmakers and urge them to support our policies. If you or someone you know has been affected by unfair dental insurance policies in Alabama, please reach out to us. Your story can help prevent this from happening to others.
Contact Your Lawmaker Now
About ALDA
The Alabama Dental Association is working every day to inform, instruct and provide needed support for our members and their patients. The mission of this Association is to encourage the improvement of the health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry, and to represent the interests of the members of the dental profession and the public it serves.
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out to us through our contact form, email, or phone. We are here to help and answer any questions you may have. Follow us on social media for more updates.