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DOC Access Act of 2025

3/22/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1521

Bill 119 HR 1521, also known as the Vision and Dental Care Improvement Act, aims to make changes to title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act in order to enhance health care coverage for vision and dental services. The bill seeks to address gaps in coverage for these essential services and improve access to care for individuals across the United States.

Specifically, the bill includes provisions to expand coverage for vision and dental care under health insurance plans, ensuring that individuals have access to necessary services such as eye exams, glasses, and dental cleanings. By improving coverage for these services, the bill aims to promote overall health and well-being for individuals of all ages.

In addition to expanding coverage, the bill also includes measures to increase transparency and accountability within the vision and dental care industries. This includes requirements for insurance companies to provide clear information about coverage options and costs, as well as provisions to protect consumers from unfair practices. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1521 seeks to address the growing need for improved access to vision and dental care services in the United States. By making changes to the Public Health Service Act, the bill aims to ensure that individuals have the coverage they need to maintain good oral and visual health.

Congressional Summary of HR 1521

Dentist and Optometric Care Access Act of 2025 or the DOC Access Act of 2025

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 (or an employer of such a doctor) 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.

Current Status of Bill HR 1521

Bill HR 1521 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 24, 2025. Bill HR 1521 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 24, 2025.  Bill HR 1521's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. as of February 24, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1521

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
1
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
23
Democrat Cosponsors
17
Republican Cosponsors
6
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1521

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1521

To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to improve health care coverage under vision and dental plans, and for other purposes.
To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to improve health care coverage under vision and dental plans, and for other purposes.

Comments

Ryan Pate profile image

Ryan Pate

716

11 months ago

So, this new bill, HR 1521 DOC Access Act of 2025, is supposed to give us more access to government documents, huh? Sounds like a snooze fest to me. Why do we need more paperwork cluttering up our lives? What's the real deal with this bill anyway? #confused