48.44.460 - Temporomandibular joint disorders -- Insurance coverage. - Washington Statutes

Temporomandibular joint disorders — Insurance coverage.

(1) Except as provided in this section, a group health care service contract entered into or renewed after December 31, 1989, shall offer optional coverage for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

     (a) Health care service contractors offering medical coverage only may limit benefits in such coverages to medical services related to treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. Health care service contractors offering dental coverage only may limit benefits in such coverage to dental services related to treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. No health care service contractor offering medical coverage only may define all temporomandibular joint disorders as purely dental in nature, and no health care service contractor offering dental coverage only may define all temporomandibular joint disorders as purely medical in nature.

     (b) Health care contractors offering optional temporomandibular joint disorder coverage as provided in this section may, but are not required to, offer lesser or no temporomandibular joint disorder coverage as part of their basic group disability contract.

     (c) Benefits and coverage offered under this section may be subject to negotiation to promote broad flexibility in potential benefit coverage. This flexibility shall apply to services to be reimbursed, determination of treatments to be considered medically necessary, systems through which services are to be provided, including referral systems and use of other providers, and related issues.

     (2) Unless otherwise directed by law, the insurance commissioner shall adopt rules, to be implemented on January 1, 1993, establishing minimum benefits, terms, definitions, conditions, limitations, and provisions for the use of reasonable deductibles and copayments.

     (3) A contractor need not make the offer of coverage required by this section to an employer or other group that offers to its eligible enrollees a self-insured health plan not subject to mandated benefit statutes under Title 48 RCW that does not provide coverage for temporomandibular joint disorders.

[1989 c 331 § 3.]

Notes: Legislative finding -- Effective date -- 1989 c 331: See notes following RCW 48.21.320.