DOC Access Act of 2023

2/1/2024, 8:30 AM

Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023 or the DOC Access Act of 2023

This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount.

Additionally, an agreement between a plan and such a doctor for limited scope dental or vision benefits may last longer than two years only with the prior acceptance of the doctor for each term extension. Plans also may not restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers.

Such doctors may elect to waive the application of the payment amount and choice of laboratories provisions of this bill.

The bill does not supersede state laws regarding health insurers and dental or vision benefit plans.

The DOC Access Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 1385, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to increase transparency and accessibility to government documents and information held by the Department of Commerce (DOC).

If passed, the DOC Access Act would require the DOC to create and maintain a publicly accessible online database of all non-confidential documents and information. This database would allow individuals, businesses, and organizations to easily search for and access a wide range of information, including reports, studies, and data collected by the DOC.

Additionally, the bill would establish guidelines for the DOC to follow when determining which documents should be made publicly available. This would help ensure that sensitive or confidential information is protected while still promoting transparency and accountability within the department. Overall, the DOC Access Act of 2023 aims to promote greater transparency within the Department of Commerce and make it easier for the public to access important government information. This bill is currently being reviewed by Congress and may undergo changes before being voted on.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 1385

Introduced on
2023-03-07

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

3/7/2023

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023 or the DOC Access Act of 2023

This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided by a doctor of optometry, of dental surgery, or of dental medicine for which the plan does not pay a substantial amount.

Additionally, an agreement between a plan and such a doctor for limited scope dental or vision benefits may last longer than two years only with the prior acceptance of the doctor for each term extension. Plans also may not restrict such a doctor's choice of laboratories or suppliers.

Such doctors may elect to waive the application of the payment amount and choice of laboratories provisions of this bill.

The bill does not supersede state laws regarding health insurers and dental or vision benefit plans.

The DOC Access Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 1385, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to increase transparency and accessibility to government documents and information held by the Department of Commerce (DOC).

If passed, the DOC Access Act would require the DOC to create and maintain a publicly accessible online database of all non-confidential documents and information. This database would allow individuals, businesses, and organizations to easily search for and access a wide range of information, including reports, studies, and data collected by the DOC.

Additionally, the bill would establish guidelines for the DOC to follow when determining which documents should be made publicly available. This would help ensure that sensitive or confidential information is protected while still promoting transparency and accountability within the department. Overall, the DOC Access Act of 2023 aims to promote greater transparency within the Department of Commerce and make it easier for the public to access important government information. This bill is currently being reviewed by Congress and may undergo changes before being voted on.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to improve health care coverage under vision and dental plans, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Health

Potential Impact
Civil actions and liability•
Dental care•
Employee benefits and pensions•
Health care costs and insurance•
Health care coverage and access•
Hearing, speech, and vision care•
State and local government operations

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary3/29/2023

Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2023 or the DOC Access Act of 2023

This bill prohibits private health insurance plans from setting rates for items and services, except for dental cleanings, provided...


Latest Action3/17/2023
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.