MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Senator(s) Dearing

AN ACT TO REQUIRE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR ANESTHESIA, HOSPITAL AND PHYSICIAN EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH CERTAIN HOSPITAL DENTAL PROCEDURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Any health, accident or sickness insurance policy or hospital, medical service contract or policy which takes effect on or after July 1, 1999, shall provide for reimbursement of anesthesia expenses, hospital expenses and physician expenses associated with any inpatient/outpatient hospital dental procedure where:

(a) Such expense is covered under such contract or policy; and

(b) The procedure is performed on a minor eight (8) years of age or younger and cannot be safely performed in a dental office setting.

The benefit provided for by this section shall be subject to the same annual deductibles or co-insurance established for all other covered benefits within a given plan, policy or contract. Private third-party payors may not reduce or eliminate coverage due to the requirements of this section. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as applying to medical assistance programs funded with state and federal funds, if such programs require provision of services as medically necessary. When services defined in this section are provided by a dentist acting within the lawful scope of his license, benefits shall be provided at the same levels and under the same terms whether provided by a physician or dentist.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.