Insurance Plans Are Publishing 2026 Fee Schedules Now—Here's What to Do

Dental insurance plans are publishing 2026 fee schedules now. You haven't looked at them yet. That's a problem. Your reimbursement is changing. And not in your favor.

What's happening: Plans are posting updated fee schedules for January 1 implementation. Some are raising minimums slightly to acknowledge inflation. Most are holding lines where they're comfortable. A few are actually cutting. Delta, Cigna, United, Aetna all have different models. Local Medicare Advantage plans each publish separately.

The reality: Even when plans "increase" fees, it's often just a 1-2 percent bump that doesn't match your cost increase. Meanwhile, your lab, your supplies, your staff wages are up 5-7 percent. That spread is your margin compression. And it compounds every year.

What to do before January: Pull your fee schedules for your top five plans. Compare to your current contracts. Model your revenue impact. If you're losing money on specific codes or plans, you have six weeks to decide if you're in-network, out-of-network, or out-of-business on those plans.

Action: Schedule a contracted fee review with your accountant in the next two weeks. Don't just accept what the plans send. Challenge contracts that don't pencil out. You have leverage until December 31. Use it.