AAE Backs Michigan Measures to Improve Fair Payments and Workforce Mobility
The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) is strongly supporting legislation in Michigan aimed at strengthening patient access to care, reducing administrative burdens for providers, and ensuring fairness in dental benefits and licensure. Through letters of support, the AAE has advocated for three bills now under consideration by the Michigan Legislature.
House Bill 4935 – Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact
AAE supports HB 4935, which would ratify the Dentist and Dental Hygienist Compact in Michigan. The DDH Compact creates a streamlined framework for licensure portability, allowing qualified dental professionals to practice across member states more efficiently. This improves regulatory oversight while reducing administrative burden, expands access to care, particularly in underserved areas and benefits military families by easing credential transfers. The legislation balances multi-state collaboration with state oversight, addressing workforce shortages and improving patient access.
House Bill 4860 – Dental Payment Reform
AAE also supports HB 4860, which requires health plans and nonprofit dental corporations to offer at least one reimbursement method that pays endodontists in full without additional fees. This measure ensures fair and timely reimbursement, prevents costly third-party payment deductions, and reduces administrative burdens, particularly for small and solo practices. Notably, the bill preserves endodontist choice by allowing providers to opt out of payment methods until they voluntarily opt back in, creating stability and transparency in dental benefits.
Senate Bill 546 – Timely Claims Processing
Finally, AAE has endorsed SB 546, which strengthens timely payment protections for dentists. The bill requires insurers to pay clean claims within 30 days and establishes tiered interest penalties for late payments. It also prohibits retaliation against providers who report violations and mandates annual public reporting of claims data by insurers. These provisions increase accountability, protect providers, and reduce administrative barriers that interfere with patient care.
Senate Bill 370 – Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program
AAE supports SB 370, which establishes the Tricare Premium Reimbursement Program within the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program reimburses eligible Michigan National Guard members for premiums paid under the Tricare Reserve Select and Tricare Dental Programs, helping ensure continuous access to essential medical and dental coverage. This measure recognizes oral health as integral to overall health and supports service members by reducing gaps in coverage that can lead to untreated conditions, pain, and higher long-term healthcare costs.
Why It Matters
Together, these three bills represent meaningful progress toward a stronger, fairer dental care system in Michigan. By addressing workforce mobility, payment fairness, and claims transparency, the legislation helps ensure that endodontists and other dental providers can focus more on patients and less on paperwork. The AAE applauds lawmakers for pursuing these reforms and will continue to support similar efforts across the country to strengthen oral health care delivery.