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MontanaSB 33569th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Generally revise laws related to dental insurance

Sponsored By: Greg Hertz (Republican)

Became Law

Health Care ServicesHealthInsurance

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Rebates when plans underspend on care

Beginning January 1, 2026, the Commissioner compares each insurer’s 3‑year average dental loss ratio to the state average and flags outliers (more than one standard deviation, unless within 3 percentage points). Outlier insurers can be investigated and must give rebates, due by August 1 of the next fiscal year; the Commissioner may allow next‑year premium credits instead. Insurers must also meet minimum spending on care; if they fall short, they owe rebates. If an insurer stays an outlier two years, the Commissioner sets a minimum dental loss ratio for that market, effective no sooner than 42 months later. The Commissioner can also make rules to spot premium hikes that exceed the dental services CPI. These rebates are allowed under state law starting June 1, 2025, despite the usual ban on rebates.

Which dental plans are covered

Beginning January 1, 2026, this law applies to most standalone dental policies sold or renewed for Montana residents. It does not apply to dental benefits inside ACA health plans. It also does not apply to Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids dental services.

How dental premiums must be used

Beginning January 1, 2026, the dental loss ratio counts money spent on dental care, certain quality improvement, and other incurred claims. Insurers may count no more than 5% of net premium revenue as quality improvement. Overhead and admin costs cannot be counted as care. The denominator removes federal and state taxes and fees and certain nonprofit community benefit spending.

Public report cards for dental plans

Starting with policies on or after January 1, 2026, each insurer files an annual report by March 1. Reports list enrollees, deductibles, cost-sharing, the annual max, and how many people hit that max. The Commissioner posts aggregated, searchable results online by January 1 the next year, and insurers must post their own results. The Commissioner can ask for extra data within 30 days, and insurers must respond in 30 days.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Greg Hertz

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 350 • No: 46

Senate vote • 4/18/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 46 • No: 4

Senate vote • 4/17/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 48 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 99 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/11/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 98 • No: 1

Senate vote • 3/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 28 • No: 22

Senate vote • 3/1/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 31 • No: 19

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/16/2025Senate

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025Senate

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/5/2025Senate

  4. Signed by Speaker

    5/5/2025House

  5. Signed by President

    4/29/2025Senate

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/24/2025Senate

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/22/2025Senate

  8. 3rd Reading Passed as Amended by House

    4/18/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading House Amendments Concurred

    4/17/2025Senate

  10. Returned to Senate with Amendments

    4/11/2025House

  11. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  12. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/11/2025House

  13. Revised Fiscal Note Requested

    4/10/2025Senate

  14. Committee Report--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/9/2025House

  15. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred as Amended

    4/9/2025House

  16. Hearing

    3/6/2025House

  17. First Reading

    3/4/2025House

  18. Referred to Committee

    3/4/2025House

  19. Transmitted to House

    3/3/2025Senate

  20. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/3/2025Senate

  21. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/1/2025Senate

  22. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    2/26/2025Senate

  23. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    2/26/2025Senate

  24. Fiscal Note Printed

    2/25/2025Senate

  25. Fiscal Note Unsigned

    2/25/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • As Amended (Version 2)

    4/9/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/17/2025

    PDF

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