The American Dental Association responded to CMS' request for information, aiming to improve data transparency and reporting for insurers.
In a letter to CMS, the ADA showed its support for public reporting of data points such as the percentage of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries who submitted claims for any dental service within the plan year, and the number and percentage of procedures utilized according to broad Current Dental Terminology categories, according to a March 28 news release from the ADA.
In addition, the organization backed reporting of CMS metrics on insurer and consumer spending.
Publishing data on Medicare Advantage plans will enable consumers to discern "whether the promised benefits will lead to increased dental care access for beneficiaries," the release said. Transparency regarding plan satisfaction results will also help in determining whether the supplemental dental benefit in the plan is being used effectively, the release said.
CMS issued a request for information in January, seeking suggestions on how to improve transparency to help patients, researchers and physicians.