Rep. Earl L. Carter, US Representative for Georgia's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Earl L. Carter, US Representative for Georgia's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY) have introduced the bipartisan Dental and Optometric Care Access (DOC Access) Act. This legislation aims to reduce costs for dental and vision care, allowing patients and their healthcare providers more control over medical decisions.
The bill addresses issues stemming from the increased consolidation within the dental and vision insurance sectors, which have resulted in higher prices, limited options for both patients and providers, and reduced community access to necessary care.
Rep. Carter emphasized the importance of affordable healthcare, stating, “It is important that we continue to work towards affordable, accessible, and high-quality health care for all Americans." He believes the DOC Access Act ensures that dentists and optometrists can make decisions based on what is best for them and their patients rather than insurance companies.
Congresswoman Clarke echoed this sentiment by highlighting obstacles faced by Americans seeking vision care due to restrictions imposed on optometrists. She stated her support for the legislation as it empowers patients in making healthcare decisions while preserving access to care.
Terry Wilcox from Patients Rising praised Reps. Carter and Clarke's initiative: "Patients Rising is so thankful that Reps. Carter and Clarke are leading the charge on such an important issue to patients across the country."
Steven Reed of AOA supported the act, noting its patient-focused solution against Vision Benefit Managers' abusive practices like price fixing services not covered by plans.
Brett H. Kessler of the American Dental Association thanked Representatives Carter and Clarke for addressing unfair practices by large dental insurers impacting small businesses: "Our patients are being negatively impacted when dental insurance companies interfere with care delivery."
The DOC Access Act seeks federal safeguards similar to state laws already passed across nearly every state. It aims at lowering costs while providing greater transparency and better options for patients nationwide through these regulations targeting vertically integrated markets dominated largely by one or two players forcing unfavorable agreements upon practitioners under threat of exclusion from networks vital within their communities.
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