Despite opposition from Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the Wisconsin Assembly, with bipartisan support, voted 89-8 to force changes in existing private contracts between insurers and dentists. Under the measure, endorsed by the Wisconsin Dental Association, dentists would no longer be able to offer lower fees for certain services to patients considered “in-network.” Proponents of the bill claimed the current system of charging members of insurance plans less resulted in a “hidden tax” on those who pay out of pocket.
WDA claims the bill is a win for small businesses and health care consumers alike, while WMC believes the measure will “legislatively define the terms under which businesses must contract with one another,” according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal.
