Kansas House Bill HB2286

Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/5/25

Caption

Providing that the selection of alternative payment methods by a dental provider will remain in force for the duration of a contract with a dental benefit plan.

Summary

HB 2286 amends Kansas insurance law governing dental benefit plans and how those plans pay dentists. The bill prohibits dental benefit plans, their contracted vendors, and health maintenance organizations from requiring credit card payments as the only acceptable payment method. It also requires notice to dentists when electronic payment methods carry fees, requires clear instructions on available payment options, and provides that a dentist’s choice of an alternative payment method remains in effect for the life of the contract and any extension of it. The bill further addresses automated clearing house (ACH) payments and virtual credit card arrangements. If a plan or vendor initiates or changes payments through ACH, it may not charge a fee solely to transmit the payment unless the dentist consents. The bill also allows a dentist’s agent to charge reasonable fees for related services such as transaction management, data management, and portal services. Any contract term that conflicts with these protections, or attempts to waive them, would be void and unenforceable.

Impact

HB 2286 would amend K.S.A. 2024 Supp. 40-2,227 and replace the existing section with new protections for dentists in payment processing arrangements. It limits the ability of dental benefit plans and their vendors to dictate payment methods, restricts certain fees tied to electronic transfers, and makes these requirements nonwaivable by contract. The practical effect is to give dental providers more control over how they are paid and to reduce mandatory use of payment methods that may impose fees or administrative burdens.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill was generally favorable and noncontroversial, with the measure introduced on behalf of the Kansas Dental Association. The caption indicates the bill is intended to protect a dental provider’s selection of alternative payment methods for the duration of a contract, which aligns with a provider-oriented policy goal. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no evidence of recorded opposition or debate in the supplied materials.

Contention

The main policy issue is who controls payment methods and who bears the cost of electronic payment processing. Supporters, including the Kansas Dental Association, appear to favor preserving dentists’ ability to choose alternative payment methods and to avoid mandatory credit card or fee-based payment systems. Potential points of contention would likely come from dental benefit plans, vendors, or insurers that prefer standardized electronic payment systems and may object to limits on fees, payment-method requirements, or the bill’s prohibition on contractual waivers.