Illinois Governor Signs the Ins-Dental Coverage Reimbursement Act into Law
On June 26, 2026, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed H.B. 4464, the Ins-Dental Coverage Reimbursement Act, into law. This legislation was introduced by Illinois State Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz (D-17) on January 15, 2026. The act amends the Illinois Insurance Code to prohibit insurers, dental service plan corporations, network leasing companies, and their vendors from requiring dentists to accept payment solely through virtual credit cards or electronic funds transfers and from imposing fees that reduce the amount providers receive for covered services. Further, it requires that dental providers receive 100 percent of the contracted reimbursement amount and allows electronic payment methods only when the provider is informed of any associated fees, offered alternative payment options, and affirmatively consents to the selected method. The legislation also specifies that these protections cannot be waived by contract, ensuring that dentists retain control over how they receive payments and are not forced into reimbursement arrangements that generate transaction costs. Provisions will take effect on January 1, 2027.
Impact on General Dentistry: This act will improve the reimbursement process by providing general dentists with greater control over how they receive payments from insurers and dental plans. Many dental offices currently receive reimbursements through virtual credit cards that can carry processing fees, reducing the net payment received for services rendered. Under the legislation, insurers cannot require dentists to accept these payment methods and will instead have to disclose any associated fees, offer alternative payment options, and obtain the provider's affirmative consent before using them. By requiring providers to receive the full contracted reimbursement amount and prohibiting contractual waivers of these protections, the legislation will reduce administrative costs, improve practice cash flow, and ensure that a greater share of reimbursement dollars remains available to support patient care and practice operations.