Narrowed GOP Stimulus Bill Defeated in Senate
On September 10, a Senate GOP pandemic relief package (S. 178) was blocked by Democrats in a 52 to 47 vote short of the 60 needed to advance the legislation for floor debate.
House Passes McCarran-Ferguson Repeal
The House of Representatives voted this week to pass the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (H.R. 1418), a bill to repeal the antiquated McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption granted to the health insurance industry decades ago.
In the States
The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency. This has included providing resources, creating state-specific action alerts and helping compose and send letters to government entities that express concerns of general dentists within their state.
HHS Releases Rural Action Plan
On September 3, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the Rural Action Plan, following an August 3 executive order requesting that the HHS produce a report on existing and upcoming efforts to improve rural healthcare.
House Committee Advances Bill to Protect Patients with Congenital Anomalies
On September 9, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup session for 38 pieces of legislation, including H.R. 1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).
AGD Endorses Small Business Comeback Act in Letter to Sponsors
In a September 8 letter to lead sponsors, AGD endorsed H.R. 7671, the Small Business Comeback Act. H.R. 7671 calls for the establishment of a Small Business Recovery Fund to help American businesses who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
AGD Comments on NASEM Framework for COVID-19 Vaccination Allocation
AGD submitted comments on September 4 to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) in response to their Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine (2020).
Dr. White Urges CDC to Re-evaluate Dental Settings Guidance
AGD President, Dr. Connie White, DDS, FAGD, sent a letter on August 27 to the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Oral Health advocating for a return to May 2020 guidance language on N95 masks in its “Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.
In the States
The AGD and Wisconsin AGD sent a letter to the City of Madison Water Utility Board in advance of their August 25 meeting, and in support of community water fluoridation (CFW).
HHS Releases Healthy People 2030
On August 18, the HHS Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) released Healthy People 2030 (HP2030) – the 5th version of the Healthy People initiative.
House Committee Initiates Investigation into Health & Dental Insurers
The House Energy & Commerce Committee sent oversight letters to nine health and dental insurance companies on August 13, seeking information on their policies and practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
AGD Initiates Dialogue with the National Association of Dental Plans
The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) responded to AGD’s letter sent on July 7, and welcomed open communications between the organizations.
AGD Thanks Sponsors of Provider Relief Fund Tax Deductibility Bill
On August 13, AGD sent a letter to Reps. Cindy Axne (R-IA) and Neal Dunn (R-FL) expressing support for their recently introduced legislation, the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act of 2020 (H.R.7819).
In the States
Governor Chris Sununu recently signed HB 1639 into law: legislation that addresses non-covered dental services, among other health care-related issues.
HHS Extends Dental Provider Relief Fund Application Deadline
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) once again extended the deadline for both non-Medicaid and Medicaid/CHIP dental providers to apply for distribution under the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund to August 28, 2020.
AGD Urges Congress and Administration to Create "Healthy Workplace" Tax Credit
AGD joined a coalition of stakeholders in sending letters to Administration officials and Congressional leadership that outline the importance of including a "healthy workplace" tax credit in the next COVID-19 relief package.
House Passes FY2021 Minibus Funding Package
On July 31, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass a second minibus FY2021 appropriations package that provided funding for Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy & Water Development, Financial Services & General Government, Labor-HHS-Education, and Transportation-HUD (H.R.7617).
AGD Joins Broad Coalition to Advocate for PPP Loan Forgiveness Deductibility
Over 180 organizations, including AGD, sent a letter to House Speaker Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) on August 4 that calls on them to ensure that expenses paid for with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans are eligible for tax-deductibility.
Administration Moves Ahead in the Face of Stalled COVID-19 Relief Negotiations
President Trump signed Executive Orders on August 8 that delay the collection of payroll taxes, enact eviction protections, extend enhanced unemployment benefits, and provide student loan repayment options.
In the States
The AGD has worked diligently with constituents to help address issues during the COVID-19 emergency.