2026 Form and Rate Filing Requirements for Stand-Alone Dental Plans ______________________________________

[1] STATE OF MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Bulletin 2025-09-INS In the matter of: 2026 Form and Rate Filing Requirements for Stand-Alone Dental Plans ______________________________________/ Issued and entered this 21st day of April 2025 by Anita G. Fox Director SECTION 1: CERTIFICATION AND RECERTIFICATION FILING REQUIREMENTS FOR STAND-ALONE DENTAL PLANS (SADPs) ON- AND OFF-MARKETPLACE General Information DIFS will continue to perform Plan Management functions for Plan Year 2026 (PY26). Plan Management functions are part of DIFS’ regulatory role for products offered on- and off-Marketplace. Issuers will work directly with DIFS to submit all Stand-Alone Dental Plan (SADP) application data in accordance with federal and state guidelines. SERFF will be used by issuers to transmit information to DIFS, and DIFS will use SERFF to transmit information to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Issuers are required by CMS to be registered for the CCIIO Plan Management Community and the Marketplace Plan Management System (MPMS). Pursuant to the final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (Notice), CMS requires SADP issuers, as a condition of Marketplace certification, to use an enrollee’s age at the time of policy issuance or renewal as the sole method to calculate an enrollee’s age for rating and eligibility purposes. This requirement is applicable whether the SADP is sold on- or off-Marketplace. The Notice also requires SADP issuers, as a condition of Marketplace certification, to submit guaranteed rates. This requirement is applicable whether the SADP is sold on-or off Marketplace. New Information The annual limitation on cost-sharing for PY26 will be $450 for one child and $900 for two or more children. New Plans and Recertification of SADPs For PY26, DIFS’ process for certification and recertification of a SADP is consistent with the process used in prior plan years. Issuers submitting previously approved plans for recertification will be required to submit [2] much of the same information as for prior plan years. Issuers submitting plans for certification for the first time should review the pertinent federal and state guidance. The omission of any federal or state requirement from this Bulletin should not be construed to mean that compliance with those requirements is not necessary. For additional guidance, issuers are urged to refer to the 2026 Final Letter to Issuers (PY26 Letter) and Notice. Timeline for SADP Submissions Activity Dates SADP Application Submission and Review Process Filing Deadline – Forms & Rates and Binder 5/01/25 DIFS’ 1st transfer of plan data to CMS; Transparency in Coverage and Plan ID Crosswalk Templates submission deadline 6/11/25 CMS reviews and posts initial SADP application results in PM Community 6/12/25 to 7/11/25 DIFS’ 2nd transfer of plan data to CMS 7/16/25 Final Review DIFS’ final transfer of plan data to CMS 8/13/25 CMS reviews and posts final SADP applications results in PM Community 8/14/25 to 9/8/25 SADP Agreement/Final Certification CMS sends Certification Notices 9/9/25 Limited data correction window and last date to withdraw plans 9/11/25 to 9/12/25 CMS posts SADP agreements; Issuers send signed agreements; States confirm final SADP recommendations 9/11/25 to 10/1/25 Open Enrollment Begins 11/1/25 [3] PY26 SADP Filing Requirements A complete submission includes the SERFF Form/Rate Filing and Binder, with all required validated templates and associated items, as outlined in Exhibit 1. Issuers are required to utilize the Validation Workspace in MPMS and QHP Application Tools, including the Data Integrity Tool, for the initial and all subsequent template submissions. Errors must be corrected prior to submission. All template revisions made during DIFS’ review must be uploaded to the same locations as originally filed i.e., filing, Binder, or both. See Exhibit 1. Note: Only one Business Rules Template and Transparency in Coverage Template needs to be completed. Each template must include both individual and small group plans and be submitted in the SERFF Binder, regardless of Marketplace participation. PY26 SADP Checklist Requirements Checklists that must be completed and filed as shown in Exhibit 1 are: • Checklist for Individual and Small Group SADP – Forms (FIS 2305) • Checklist for Individual and Small Group SADP – Rates (FIS 2304; and • Checklist for Individual and Small Group SADP – Network Adequacy (FIS 2314) Revisions to Previously Approved SADP Forms: Red-Lined Versions Issuers revising previously approved SADP forms must provide red-lined versions, as well as clean versions. The red-lined and clean versions should both be filed in the Forms Schedule tab of the SERFF Form/Rate filing under the same document number. Note: forms not being revised must still be submitted. Forms must be SADP-specific. Forms must not include variable bracketed fields for use interchangeably with non-SADP forms. File Naming Certain items in the Supporting Documentation tab in the Form/Rate filing and/or the Binder filing must adhere to a standard naming convention as follows: IssuerName_MIFormDescription_Version#. The purpose of adherence to a standard naming convention is to have the ability to track new versions as they are updated. It is important to start with Version 1 and use the same issuer name and form description in the file name each time. In addition, all review tools must be run each time a template is revised. Items that are required to have a standard naming convention are: • DIFS SADP Forms Checklist; • DIFS SADP Rates Checklist; • DIFS SADP Network Adequacy Checklist; • Rates Table Template; • Actuarial Memorandum; [4] • MI Uniform Modification Justification Form; • Michigan Network Adequacy Template • Justifications and Attestations; and • Any document that is amended from its original version that is not automatically versioned through SERFF SERFF Filings All federal and Michigan-specific templates must be filed in Excel formats. Do not submit templates in PDF. Additionally, do not submit templates in the Supporting Documentation tab of the Binder, except for the Plan ID Crosswalk and Michigan Network Adequacy Templates. Under Section 234 of the Michigan Insurance Code, MCL 500.234, the Director has the discretion to designate certain records to be nonpublic. Accordingly, issuers have the option to mark their filings as confidential upon submission. The filings will remain confidential until one day after the submission deadline at which time DIFS will make the filings public. Guaranteed Renewability Although SADPs are considered excepted benefits, and therefore not subject to federal guaranteed renewability requirements, CMS will apply the Plan ID Crosswalk Template to SADPs in order to support automatic re-enrollment for plans offered during 2026. Plan Withdrawal Plans may be withdrawn in accordance with the process in the PY26 Letter. The final opportunity to withdraw plans will be during the plan confirmation process. Issuers opting to withdraw must submit the following in both the SERFF Form/Rate filing and Binder: 1. A completed CMS Plan Withdrawal form for plans offered either on-Marketplace or on- and off Marketplace or a list of plans to be withdrawn for those offered off-Marketplace only; 2. A letter to the DIFS Director outlining the issuer’s intent and how it will comply with both state and federal guaranteed renewability and availability requirements; and 3. A copy of the proposed letter that will be sent to enrollees/consumers outlining the issuer’s intent and detailing all options available to the enrollee/consumer, including seeking coverage from a different issuer. This letter must not be sent to enrollees/consumers until approved by DIFS. Note: Do not make changes to templates. Uniform Modification and Plan ID Crosswalk DIFS requires that the Michigan Uniform Modification Justification Form (FIS 2316) and Plan ID Crosswalk Template be submitted as shown on Exhibit 1. The Plan ID Crosswalk must be submitted in MPMS and Binder under Supporting Documentation. For State Authorization questions or requests, please send an email to DIFS- companytemplateissues@michigan.gov. The deadline for this submission is June 11, 2025. DIFS will [5] provide authorizations to issuers after its initial review of the Crosswalk ID template and satisfaction of any subsequent objections. Licensure and Good Standing DIFS will review the licensure status of all issuers filing SADPs on- and/or off-Marketplace. Coordination of Benefits The coverage documents must include detailed information on the coordination of benefits, as required by MCL 550.253. Simply stating compliance with the Michigan Coordination of Benefits Act is not sufficient. Please refer to the checklist for additional information. Annual Limit on Cost-Sharing The PY26 out-of-pocket maximums for Marketplace-certified SADPs are $450 for one covered child and $900 for two or more covered children. Service Area DIFS does not permit service areas with partial counties for SADPs. Issuers should inform DIFS of any service area data change through the SERFF binder and include all templates and supporting documentation impacted. After DIFS’ final transfer deadline, service area data may only be changed with DIFS’ approval and submission of a Data Change Request (DCR) to CMS, even if the change is directed by DIFS or CMS. Submission of the DCR to CMS is through the Plan Management Community and must include an explanation and justification for the change(s), evidence of state approval, and the DCR Supplement. Service area data changes include: 1. Revising Service Area Template to: a. change any service area name or ID b. add or remove a service area c. add or remove a county/ies to a service area 2. Revising the Plans and Benefits Template (PBT) to: a. change a Service Area ID b. add or remove a Service Area ID 3. Any change to the list of counties associated with a particular plan Any service area data change must be reflected on the Michigan Network Adequacy Template (FIS 2385). For more information, see CMS’ QHP Information and Guidance for Service Area and Data Change Windows. [6] Network Adequacy The Michigan Network Adequacy Guidance reflects network sufficiency requirements and standards. See also Checklist for Individual and Small Group Stand-Alone Dental Plans – Network Adequacy (FIS 2314), CMS’ PY26 Letter, Notice, and QHP Certification Information and Guidance. Essential Community Providers Follow CMS directions for submitting ECP data. See CMS’ web page QHP Certification Application Materials for Application Instructions, ECPs, Program Attestations, and Frequently Asked Questions. The ECP threshold remains unchanged from PY25, 35 percent, for available ECPs in each plan’s service area. SECTION 2: CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS Readability Submitted forms must comply with the following readability standards found under MCL 500.2236(3) and MCL 500.2212a(5): 1. Each form entered in the SERFF Forms Schedule tab shall include the form’s readability score. 2. The readability score must be based on the Microsoft Word Flesch Reading Ease test and have a score of 45 or higher. Forms with a Microsoft Word Flesch Reading Ease score lower than 45 will not be approved by DIFS or transferred to CMS for certification. 3. Dental policies and certificates with more than 3,000 words printed on not more than three pages, or more than three pages of text regardless of the number of words, shall contain a table of contents. (This requirement does not apply to riders or endorsements.) 4. Be printed in font size not less than 10 point. Dependent Coverage Essential Health Benefit (EHB) coverage for pediatric services is required for enrollees until at least the end of the month in which the enrollee turns 19 years of age. Internal Formal Grievance and External Review Procedures SADPs offered by commercial issuers must offer a formal grievance procedure pursuant to MCL 500.2213 and adhere to the external review process under the Patient’s Right to Independent Review Act (PRIRA), PA 251 of 2000 (MCL 550.1901 to 550.1929). These procedures must be part of the policy and submitted for approval with the SADP filing. If the issuer has DIFS-approved grievance and external review procedures, these must be filed in the Supporting Documentation tab of the SERFF Form/Rate filing. Complaint and Grievance Policy and Procedures must include information on DIFS’ Health Care Appeals – Request for External Review (FIS 0018) and contact information for DIFS including fax number, email address, and mailing address. Marketplace Certification All SADPs intended to be EHB-compliant must be Marketplace-certified, even if the plan will not be marketed on-Marketplace. The only SADPs that can be considered to provide EHB must have followed the certification process and have been approved and recommended for certification to CMS. SECTION 3: RATING DIFS will not accept more than one filing per market (individual or small group). Issuers that offer various types of offerings, such as on- and off-Marketplace or pediatric and adult, must submit all filings in the same Form/Rate filing. SADP issuers may submit more than one actuarial memorandum or format their actuarial memorandum to adequately address their entire filing. All SADP issuers must complete a separate Rates Table Template for individual and small group markets. The Draft Notice also requires SADP issuers, as a condition of Marketplace certification, to submit guaranteed rates. This requirement is applicable whether the SADP is sold on-or off-Marketplace. Issuers may continue to offer pediatric dental EHBs at any actuarial value (AV). SADP issuers must, however, certify the AV and provide the AV development of each SADP plan. SADP Michigan rate filings must include the following components: • Rate manual showing only Michigan-specific rates; o Sample rate calculation; o Michigan Rate Checklist for SADPs; and o Actuarial memorandum addressing items from the Michigan Rate Checklist, including: o Description and exhibits showing the development of rates from the experience; and o Derivation of the EHB apportionment percentage for pediatric dental (individual plans only) Any questions regarding this bulletin should be directed to: Anita G. Fox Director Department of Insurance and Financial Services Office of Insurance Rates and Forms 530 W. Allegan Street-7th Floor Lansing, Michigan 48933 Toll Free: (877) 999-6442 [7] [8] Exhibit 1 – TEMPLATES & SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS PY26 Stand Alone Dental Plans Filing Requirements Requires Submission via SERFF Federal Required Templates On- and On-/Off- Marketplace Off-Marketplace SERFF Location: Plans and Benefits Yes Yes Binder only Service Area Yes Yes Binder only Network ID Yes Yes Binder only Rates Table Yes Yes Form/Rate Filing & Binder Business Rules – One per Issuer, include both Individual and Small Group on the same template Yes Yes Binder only Plan ID Crosswalk (Individual only; Supporting Documentation tab) Yes No Binder only Transparency in Coverage – One per Issuer, include both Individual and Small Group on the same template Yes Yes Binder only Filing Deadline 5/01/2025 [9] NOTE: All required templates must be completed and, if applicable, validated before uploading to SERFF. Use of PY26 QHP Application Review Tools including the Data Integrity Tool is required for the initial template submission and any subsequent submission. All template revisions must be uploaded to the same locations as originally filed (i.e., SERFF Form/Rate Filing, Binder or BOTH). Requires Submission via SERFF Michigan Required Supporting Documentation On- and On-/Off- Marketplace Off-Marketplace SERFF Location: Michigan Network Adequacy Template (FIS 2385) (Supporting Documentation tab) Yes Yes Binder only Network Attestation Yes Yes Binder only Network Coverage Attestation Yes Yes Binder only Network Submission Summary Yes Yes Binder only Checklist for Individual and Small Group SADP Plans – Forms Yes Yes Form/Rate Filing & Binder Checklist for Individual and Small Group SADP Plans – Rates Yes Yes Form/Rate Filing & Binder Checklist for Individual and Small Group SADP Plans – Network Adequacy Yes Yes Binder only MI Uniform Modification Justification Form Yes Yes Form/Rate Filing & Binder Network Adequacy Justification, as applicable Yes Yes Binder only Filing Deadline 5/01/2025