Consumers have to ask if their dental care has improved or become more efficient since the beginning of managed care. Many people in need of a dentist say they can't see the dentist they wish to see; they spend less time with the dentist they do see; and they feel rushed into and out of the dentist office.

When a dentist enters a preferred provider organization, the result is that an insurance company saves money and a dentist gains a volume of patients. By increasing the volume of patients each patient receives a fraction of the care that they should receive. Is it fair to allow insurance companies to tell YOU who will do your dental care?

HB 121 sets out the rights of dental health care consumers. This bill specifically:

• Allows consumers to choose any dentist they wish to see including a specialist.
• Prohibits insurers from reimbursing a covered person at a different rate because of the person's choice of dentist.
• Gives covered people the right to receive full information regarding their care options without fearing adverse actions from insurance companies.
• Allows patients to take civil action against health care insurers to enforce their rights.
• Requires any dental treatment plan review or utilization review to be conducted by a dentist.

I urge the committee's thoughtful consideration of this proposed legislation and the swift passage of this legislation from the committee.