N.M. Admin. Code § 13.10.35.10

Current through Register Vol. 35, No. 23, December 10, 2024

Section 13.10.35.10 - DENTAL PLANS

A.Applicability. This section applies only to subject dental plans.

B.Definitions. For purposes of this Section:

(1) "Dental plan" is a policy, contract, agreement or arrangement under which an entity undertakes to reimburse claims for the cost of dental services and dental supplies.

(2) "Dental service" means a professional service rendered by a person duly licensed under the laws of this state to practice dentistry or dental therapy, or dental hygienists or dental hygienists certified in collaborative practice and any service constituting the practice of dentistry under state law.

C.Required minimum benefits. A dental plan shall, at a minimum, provide each covered person benefits for the following dental services and dental supplies.

(1) Diagnostic services. A dental plan shall cover the following diagnostic services with no waiting period:

(a) one clinical oral examination twice per plan year;

(b) clinical oral examinations when performed as a part of an emergency service to relieve pain and suffering.

(2) Radiology services. A dental plan shall cover the following radiology services with a waiting period of no longer than six consecutive months:

(a) Bitewing x-rays at least once a year unless greater frequency is deemed medically necessary; and

(b) Panoramic films or an intraoral-complete series, at least once every five consecutive years.

(3) Preventive services. A dental plan shall cover the following services with no waiting period, subject to the following limitations:

(a) Prophylaxis. A dental plan shall cover at least two prophylaxis services every plan year.

(b) Fluoride treatment. A dental plan shall cover at least one fluoride treatment per calendar year furnished in a health care setting for children up to 14 years old or older as medically necessary.

(c) Molar sealants. A dental plan shall cover one treatment of molar sealant per tooth every five consecutive years as medically necessary. A dental plan may exclude coverage where an occlusal restoration has been completed on the tooth. A dental plan may apply a waiting period of six consecutive months for medically necessary sealants.

(4) Cavities. A dental plan shall cover necessary fillings for cavities. A dental plan may not apply a waiting period for cavity fillings.

D.Maximum out-of-pocket. To be certified for sale on New Mexico's health insurance exchange, a dental plan shall comply with any federally mandated maximum out-of-pocket limits for dental plans.

N.M. Admin. Code § 13.10.35.10

Adopted by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXII, Issue 11, June 8, 2021, eff. 1/1/2022, Amended by New Mexico Register, Volume XXXIII, Issue 24, December 27, 2022, eff. 1/1/2024