Washington § 48.46.530 - Temporomandibular joint disorders — Insurance coverage.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 48.46.530 — Temporomandibular joint disorders — Insurance coverage., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48.46.530. Temporomandibular joint disorders — Insurance coverage.

(1) Except as provided in this section, a health maintenance agreement entered into or renewed after December 31, 1989, shall offer optional coverage for the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders.

(a) Health maintenance organizations offering medical coverage only may limit benefits in such coverages to medical services related to treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. No health maintenance organizations offering medical and dental coverage may limit benefits in such coverage to dental services related to treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders. No health maintenance organization offering medical coverage only may define all temporomandibular joint disorders as purely dental in nature.

(b) Health maintenance organizations offering optional temporomandibular joint disorder coverage as provided in this section may, but are not required to, offer lesser or no temporomandibular joint disorder coverage as part of their basic group disability contract.

(c) Benefits and coverage offered under this section may be subject to negotiation to promote broad flexibility in potential benefit coverage. This flexibility shall apply to services to be reimbursed, determination of treatments to be considered medically necessary, systems through which services are to be provided, including referral systems and use of other providers, and related issues.

(2) Unless otherwise directed by law, the insurance commissioner shall adopt rules, to be implemented on January 1, 1993, establishing minimum benefits, terms, definitions, conditions, limitations, and provisions for the use of reasonable deductibles and copayments.

(3) A health maintenance organization need not make the offer of coverage required by this section to an employer or other group that offers to its eligible enrollees a self-insured health plan not subject to mandated benefit statutes under Title 48 RCW that does not provide coverage for temporomandibular joint disorders.

[ 1989 c 331 s 4.]

Notes

Legislative finding—Effective date—1989 c 331: See notes following RCW 48.21.320.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 48.46.530

What does Revised Code of Washington § 48.46.530 cover?

Section 48.46.530 ("Temporomandibular joint disorders — Insurance coverage.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 48.46.530?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 48.46.530" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 48.46.530 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 48.46.530 at the Washington source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.