Spurred by a mounting backlog of Republican priorities including tax reform, infrastructure, and government funding, Republicans in the Senate are anxious to move on from the health care debate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has announced that the vote on the bill will be delayed until after the July 4^th recess.

Lawmakers are still split over proposed changes to Medicaid. The House bill passed in early May would eliminate enhanced federal funding for Medicaid expansion in 2020 and curtail support for the program overall. Senate moderates like Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) are pushing for more funding for Medicaid and added funding for tax credits to help individuals buy coverage. Conservatives, however, like Sens. Pat Toomey (R-PA), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Rand Paul (R-KY), want deeper Medicaid cuts and a more complete repeal of the ACA.

Impact on General Dentistry: As Congress moves forward with its deliberation of ACA replacement legislation, the AGD will continue to urge lawmakers not to lose sight of the key role oral health plays in the overall health of both children and adults and to thus protect the expansion of dental coverage gained under the ACA.