Colorado enacts dental insurance reform targeting network leasing practices 

ADA support strengthens legislative effort 

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1070 into law, establishing new requirements for dental insurance network leasing practices in Colorado. The legislation, which takes effect Aug. 12, follows sustained advocacy efforts by the Colorado Dental Association and support from the ADA. 

HB 1070 addresses “network leasing” practices — sometimes referred to as umbrella plans — in which one insurance carrier agrees to share or lease its dentist network with another carrier.  Under previous practices, dentists’ participation in these secondary networks could occur without their explicit knowledge or consent. 

The new law introduces an “opt-in” standard, requiring insurers to obtain affirmative consent from dentists before leasing their services to third parties, while preserving dentists’ rights to remove consent. It also mandates that carriers provide regular updates on leased networks and the third parties accessing them. Additionally, third-party payers that access leased networks must adhere to the same contractual terms and conditions as the original carrier. The law prohibits insurers from canceling or refusing to contract with dentists that do not opt-in to the lease offer. Remittance advice communications to dentists must identify the source of discounts taken by third parties to ensure transparency. 

The measure passed both chambers of the Colorado General Assembly, including approvals from the House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees, before it was signed into law on April 13. 

According to the Colorado Dental Association, the legislation is intended to enhance transparency and ensure that dentists retain greater control over how their services are contracted and reimbursed. The association has characterized the law as one of the most comprehensive in the country related to dental network leasing. 

The new requirements will apply to dental insurance contracts when they are entered into, renewed or extended, or when materially modified to allow third-party access. ADA President Rich Rosato, D.D.S. noted how wins like the one in Colorado will matter around the country.  

“The new law allowing dentists to opt-in to leasing arrangements has true national impact. It helps in our push for the passage of the Improving Dental Administration (IDA) Act, as we make the argument that good laws like Colorado’s should apply to all forms of dental coverage, including what is provided through self-funded dental plans.” 

Colorado Dental Association leaders credited early engagement with legislative sponsors, collaboration with patient and consumer advocates, and participation from practicing dentists as key factors in the bill’s passage. The ADA provided support during the drafting and review process, including technical guidance and policy input. 

 “This is a testimony to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Colorado Dental Association President Jillian Stacey, D.D.S.