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Bill

Bill

SB 6218

Concerning dental only plans.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Curtis King and 5 co-sponsors

SB 6218 modifies Washington State regulations governing standalone dental insurance plans to establish coverage standards and consumer protections.

Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care at 10:30 AM.
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Bill Summary · SB 6218

Legislative bill overview

SB 6218 addresses regulations and standards for dental-only insurance plans in Washington State. The bill was introduced in January 2024 and referred to the Senate Committee on Health & Long Term Care for consideration, with a public hearing held in late January.

Why is this important

Dental insurance is often sold separately from medical coverage and operates under different regulatory frameworks. Clarifying or modifying rules for standalone dental plans affects affordability, coverage standards, and consumer protections for the roughly 30% of Americans without dental insurance, making this relevant to dental care accessibility in Washington.

Potential points of contention

  • Coverage mandates vs. cost: Requirements for specific dental services or preventive care coverage could increase premium costs for consumers or reduce insurer participation in the market
  • Regulatory scope: Disagreement over whether state or federal regulation should govern dental plans, and how strictly plans should be regulated compared to medical insurance
  • Consumer protections: Balancing insurer flexibility with protections against coverage denials, waiting periods, and exclusionary practices that leave consumers with unexpected out-of-pocket costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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