HHS Announces "Phase 3" Provider Relief Fund Distribution Opportunity
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that $20 billion in new funding for providers, including eligible dentists, would be available in a Phase 3 General Distribution from the Provider Relief Fund created under the CARES Act.
Organized Dentistry Supports Model Patient Dental Care Bill of Rights
In an effort led by the American Dental Association (ADA), a group of dental organizations, including AGD, sent a letter on September 22 to the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) to support a Transparency in Dental Benefits Contracting model act. NCOIL's Health Insurance & Long Term Care Issues Committee considered the model act at a September 26 meeting.
House Passes Bill to Maintain NEMT Benefit
The House of Representatives voted unanimously to pass H.R.3935, the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act, on September 21. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Tom Graves (R-GA), and Sanford Bishop of (D-GA) introduced the bill in July 2019.
Final Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Fund Recipients
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released final reporting requirements for providers who received one or more payments exceeding $10,000 from the Provider Relief Fund. The reporting system will become available Jan. 15, 2021. Additionally, the department noted that recipients may be subject to auditing.
In the States
As the 2020-2021 state legislative session approaches, the Wisconsin AGD and Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) work to open regular communications around advocacy and discuss how the two organizations can partner as stakeholders in the oral health community.
U.S. Department of Labor Revises COVID-19 Paid Leave Rule Requirements
The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted revisions on September 11 to regulations that implemented the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
AGD Comments on HRSA's HPSA Scoring Information Request
AGD submitted comments to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) on September 18 regarding a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) Scoring Criteria Request for Information (RFI).
Lawmakers Continue Push for COVID-19 Workplace Safety Tax Credits
On September 16, the Businesses Preparing for a Better Tomorrow Act (H.R. 8260) was introduced by Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX) to help employers combat the spread of COVID-19 by providing tax incentives for qualified employee training on best practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
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.