DOC Access Act of 2025
Summary
The DOC Access Act of 2025 would amend federal health insurance regulations to restrict how private dental and vision insurance plans operate. Specifically, the bill would prohibit insurance plans from setting rates for dental and vision services that the plan does not pay for, except for dental cleanings. The bill would also prevent plans from restricting dentists' and optometrists' ability to choose their own laboratories and suppliers, and would require plans to obtain a doctor's consent before renewing contracts longer than two years. Doctors may choose to waive these protections if they prefer. The bill applies to federally regulated insurance plans and does not override state insurance laws. Currently referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the bill has not yet been voted on by the full House. If enacted, the bill would potentially give dentists and optometrists more control over pricing and business decisions for uncovered services, though the practical impact on patient costs would depend on how insurance companies adjust their practices in response.
