Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S3156

Introduced
3/27/26  

Caption

Provides that no contract between a dental plan or other healthcare entity and a dentist requires the dentist to accept exclusively by virtual credit cards.

Impact

The introduction of this legislation is expected to have significant implications on how payments are processed within the dental healthcare sector. By eliminating the requirement for dentists to accept only payment methods that impose charges for access, S3156 seeks to improve the financial viability for dental practitioners. This change could lead to increased autonomy for dentists in choosing payment methods that best suit their practice, thereby potentially enhancing their business operations and overall patient interactions.

Summary

Bill S3156 aims to amend Rhode Island's General Laws regarding methods of payment between dental plans and dentists. The primary provision prohibits contracts between dental plans or healthcare entities and dentists from mandating that dentists accept payments solely through methods that incur fees upon the dentists for releasing those payments, such as virtual credit cards. Instead, the bill requires that dental plans must inform dentists of alternative payment methods like electronic funds transfers or paper checks, allowing for more flexibility in payment options without undue cost constraints on practitioners.

Contention

As S3156 moves forward, it is likely to spark discussions regarding existing practices by dental plans concerning payment methodologies. There may be contention among dental plans that benefit from the use of virtual credit cards due to transaction efficiencies, versus the interests of dentists who face added costs when accepting such payments. Furthermore, discussions will likely focus on ensuring that any adjustments in payment methods do not compromise the service quality or access to dental care for patients, emphasizing a balanced approach between the fiscal realities of dental practices and the operational models of healthcare entities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0905

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

RI H6155

Prohibits dental insurers from refusing to honor directions to pay from insured, modifying benefits to be paid. Requires providers to accept payment by virtual credit card as unfair claims practices.

RI S0463

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H5863

Requires each healthcare entity/network plan to compile/report to health insurance commissioner a summary of how the healthcare entity/network plan requires its contracted providers to submit claims for in-network outpatient behavioral health services.

RI H6240

Allows for the expansion of limited registrations of dentists and dental hygienists.

RI H5628

Mandates all health insurance contracts, plans, or policies provide the same reimbursement to independent healthcare facilities as that of hospital affiliated facilities where the same healthcare service is provided.

RI S0846

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

RI H5561

Prohibits healthcare providers and health plans from denying the payment of a medical bill, solely because the bill may have arisen from a third-party claim.

RI S0053

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

RI H5120

Provides an insurer would not impose prior authorization requirements for any service ordered by an in-network primary care provider.

Similar Bills

LA HB1121

Authorizes certain healthcare entities to refuse to provide healthcare services under certain circumstances

RI H7030

Creates the healthcare worker platform act that requires platforms offering healthcare shifts to register with the Rhode Island department of health while exempting them from being classified as nursing service agencies.

AR HB1299

To Prohibit Healthcare Insurers From Exercising Recoupment For Payment Of Healthcare Services More Than One Year After The Payment For Healthcare Services Was Made.

RI H7941

Requires insurers to pay electronic claims for healthcare coverage within 14 calendar days of receipt. Permits healthcare providers to dispute claim denials within 60 days and empowers the secretary of EOHHS to establish penalties for violations.

AR HB1301

To Amend The Prior Authorization Transparency Act.

RI H8310

Amends the timelines related to healthcare provider credentialing.

MA S1632

Providing safeguards for home healthcare workers

MA H2364

Providing safeguards for home healthcare workers