SPRINGFIELD – Smaller dental practices will soon have more time to transition to electronic payments, thanks to an initiative sponsored by State Senator Javier Cervantes.

“If we enforce a deadline without giving dental practices enough time to adapt, we will be doing them and their patients a greater disservice,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “This measure will allow dental practices more time to enhance their electronic portals to better serve their patients, and to meet the new deadline in 2027.”  

Previous legislation requires dental providers and insurance companies to begin sharing all information electronically by 2026. While this measure intends to help modernize these practices and make patient payments more efficient, many dental care providers throughout the state have requested more time to make the necessary technological advancements.

House Bill 1864 would extend the deadline to make electronic payments the standard for dental care by 2027. This extension gives smaller practices more time to complete a smooth transition, and to ensure all dental care providers can provide correct and accurate information on their online platforms.

“Dental patients deserve a modern, standardized method of receiving health documents and billing information,” said Cervantes. “By extending the deadline, we are ensuring that the standardized system will provide patients with the best version of these portals, not half-finished or underdeveloped products, enhancing their dental care experience.”

House Bill 1864 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday.