The Maine Legislature's Insurance and Financial Services Committee is hosting a work session today on a bill that would require dental and health insurers in Maine to cover procedures performed by independently practicing dental hygienists.

LD 234, "An Act To Expand Access to Oral Health Care" would affect all plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2010.

"Last year we passed a bill that allowed Dental Hygienists to practice as Independent Practice Dental Hygienists (IPDH)," the bills sponsor, Representative Pat....