Louisiana Senate Bill SB192

Louisiana 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/26
• Refer: 2/26/26
• Refer: 3/9/26
• Report Pass: 3/18/26
• Engrossed: 3/26/26
• Refer: 3/30/26
• Report Pass: 4/29/26
• Enrolled: 5/19/26
• Chaptered: 5/22/26
• Passed: 5/22/26

Caption

HEALTH/ACC INSURANCE: Provides for the method of dental reimbursement or payments. (gov sig)

Summary

SB 192 amends Louisiana law governing dental reimbursement and payment methods by requiring a dental plan to obtain a provider’s "express acceptance" before initiating or changing payments to a dentist by electronic funds transfer or credit card. The bill defines express acceptance as a clear and direct agreement to the selected payment method, and it allows that agreement to be given electronically, including by digital signature or by checking a box. If a plan fails to obtain the required express acceptance, any election of that payment method is nullified until a new express agreement is executed. The bill also sets a delayed implementation schedule. Its provisions become operative on January 1, 2027, and apply to policies, contracts, programs, or dental coverage plans issued, amended, or renewed on or after that date. Existing plans must be brought into compliance no later than January 1, 2028. The act became effective upon gubernatorial approval and is now Act 360.

Impact

SB 192 adds a new definition and new compliance requirements to R.S. 22:1157, Louisiana’s statute on dental reimbursement or payments. It changes how dental insurers and dental plans may enroll providers in electronic payment methods by requiring affirmative provider consent, and it gives providers a statutory basis to challenge payment-method elections made without that consent. The law affects dental plans, insurers, dentists, and provider representatives, while leaving the underlying ability to use electronic funds transfers and credit card payments intact if express acceptance is obtained.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the Senate 34-0, the House 92-0, and the Senate again 37-0 on concurrence, indicating unanimous or near-unanimous approval in both chambers. The lack of committee transcript material suggests there was little recorded public debate or opposition in the available materials.

Contention

There is little visible contention in the available record, but the substantive issue is the balance between administrative efficiency for dental plans and provider control over payment methods. The bill favors dentists and provider designees by requiring clear, affirmative consent before a plan can switch them to electronic funds transfer or credit card reimbursement. Any concern from insurers or dental plans would likely center on added administrative steps, compliance timing, and the possibility that existing payment arrangements could be invalidated if express acceptance is not properly documented.