NADP Conducting Follow-up DLR Study in Massachusetts

The Research Commission proposed a follow-up study of the impacts of the Dental Loss Ratio law in Massachusetts among small groups. The Board of Directors recently agreed to fund this study. In 2024, NADP worked with NORC to conduct a series of in-depth interviews with plans and brokers to ascertain expected impacts on the market.

To ensure that we get information from the brokers and agents with the most knowledge of MLR’s impacts, NADP will be asking for plans to help identify and recruit brokers important in the small group segment in Massachusetts. Delegates can expect a request from NADP or ANR Market Research around the middle of April.

Among those expected impacts were:

• Market disruptions that would include market exits, especially in the Small Group and Individual segments.
• Reduced broker commissions
• With fewer plans in the market, concentration could lead to higher prices/lower value for employers and consumers.

Last year, we worked with ANR Market Research to conduct in-depth interviews with small employers to determine whether those expected impacts had started to materialize.

They had.

Specifically, that research found:

• Some employers were dropped by their former carrier because that carrier had elected to not offer benefits in the small group segment.
• Employers mentioned less choice and dental benefit plans that were less robust, especially considering the dental network composition available.

NADP has again contracted with ANR Market Research to conduct in-depth interviews with small employers and brokers working with small employers.

Findings from this and other research NADP plans to conduct this year will be used in our Advocacy efforts to fight similar future legislation in the states and in Washington D.C.

If you have any questions about this research, please contact Director of Government Relations Bianca Balale or Director of Research Jerry Berggren.