Two national dental insurance carriers are changing how they distribute payments to dentists, and the Texas Dental Association (TDA) is actively stepping in to ensure your rights under Texas law are protected.

Here is what you need to know about where TDA stands with Delta Dental and Aetna, and how these changes impact your practice.

Delta Dental: Challenging New Weekly Paper Check Fees

On August 4, TDA met directly with Delta Dental regarding its proposed $15 weekly fee for dentists who choose to continue receiving paper checks, set to take effect in Texas on January 1, 2027.

TDA’s Actions & Demands:

• Challenged the Fee: We put Delta on notice of its obligation under Texas law to provide a fee-free payment method for dentists to receive 100% of their reimbursement. Delta acknowledged this obligation.

• Demanded Rate Savings: We pressed Delta that if transitioning away from paper checks saves the carrier money, those savings belong in provider reimbursement rates—not Delta's bottom line.

• Next Steps: Delta confirmed this policy shift is spreading nationwide and committed to bringing TDA’s concerns to their leadership. TDA will continue to monitor their actions closely.

Aetna: Verifying Compliance on Electronic Pay & EOBs

TDA is scheduled to meet with Aetna regarding its decision to discontinue paper checks and paper Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for select out-of-network providers.

TDA’s Priorities:

• Confirming strict adherence to Texas insurance law.

• Demanding that operational cost savings be directed back into dental reimbursement rates.

• Providing updates to members as soon as outcomes from the meeting are established.

Your Rights Under Texas Law

You have the right to choose how your practice gets paid. In 2019, TDA worked alongside state lawmakers to pass legislation requiring state-regulated insurers to offer at least one payment method that pays 100% of full reimbursement with zero fees—regardless of whether you are in-network or out-of-network. No state-regulated carrier can override this legal requirement.

Protect Your Practice with EFT

While TDA continues advocacy efforts, adopting Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) where appropriate offers immediate protection and efficiency:

• 100% Reimbursement: Full payment with zero processing or check fees.

• Faster Processing: Direct deposits arrive quicker than mail-in checks.

• Enhanced Security: Electronic EOBs and secure banking channels reduce administrative overhead and protect practice financial data.

Choosing EFT on your own terms keeps your practice clear of upcoming fees like Delta's proposed charges.

TDA's Ongoing Commitment

TDA will continue to advocate aggressively on your behalf by:

1. Holding Delta Dental accountable to elevate provider concerns.

2. Demanding payment savings be returned to dentists via higher reimbursement.

3. Verifying Aetna's compliance with state law during upcoming discussions.

4. Taking action if any carrier fails to meet Texas legal standards.

Your collective membership gives TDA the strength to challenge insurance carriers and protect the dental profession across Texas. Stay tuned for further updates.