08/10/2026
GREAT NEWS FOR MASSACHUSETTS RESIDENTS! Thank your neighbors for voting for this in 2022!!
Question 2 Delivers on Its Promise
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) has announced that six dental insurance carriers will return $8.4 million in rebates to consumers after failing to meet the state's 83% Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) standard.
This marks the first time dental insurers have been required to issue rebates under the DLR law, making Massachusetts the first state in the nation to require and enforce dental insurance rebates.
This achievement is a direct result of Question 2, the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS)-backed dental insurance loss ratio ballot initiative overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2022. The measure requires dental insurers to dedicate at least 83% of premium dollars to patient dental care and establishes accountability when insurers fail to meet that standard.
The law took effect in 2025, and this year's rebates demonstrate the real-world impact of the consumer protections voters endorsed. When insurers fall below the required DLR threshold during the measurement period, they must return a portion of premiums to policyholders.
The six carriers issuing rebates are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Guardian Life Insurance Company, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Insurance Company, Reliance Standard Insurance Company, Standard Insurance Company, and Starmount Life Insurance Company.
Rebates will begin being issued later this month, either by check or as a credit toward future premium payments. The amount each consumer receives will vary based on their insurance carrier and the premiums paid.
The return of $8.4 million to consumers represents a significant milestone and a clear demonstration that Question 2 is delivering on its promise of ensuring that dental insurance premiums are used primarily for patient care, not administrative costs or profits.
