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.
House Committee Advances NEMT Legislation
On July 15, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a legislative markup session to approve several pending bills, including H.R.3935, the Protecting Patients Transportation to Care Act.
HHS Extends Dental Provider Relief Fund Deadline
The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently 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 3, 2020.
AGD Applauds Introduction of the Small Business Comeback Act
Representatives Filemon Vela (D-TX-34) and Lance Gooden (R-TX-05) recently introduced H.R. 7671, the Small Business Comeback Act, to help save American businesses as they are once again being asked to close their doors to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Dental Coalition Outlines Priorities for Next COVID-19 Relief Bill
AGD joined allies in a July 17 Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) letter to Congressional leaders that calls on them to include policies that are a priority for dentistry in the next COVID-19 relief package.
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.
OSHA Publishes COVID-19 FAQs
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) to help protect workers from exposure to the coronavirus on July 2.
PPP Loan Application Deadline Extended
On July 4, the President signed legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) into law, S. 4116.
IRS Publishes Guidance on Reporting COVID-19-Related Leave Wages
On July 8, the Treasury Dept. and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided guidance to employers requiring them to report the amount of qualified sick and family leave wages paid to employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on W-2 Forms.
AGD Endorses PPE Tax Credit Legislation
AGD officially endorsed the Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act (H.R.7216) in a July 8 letter to the sponsors of the legislation.
HHS Opens Provider Relief Fund All Dentists Deemed Eligible
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced on July 10 that an application is now open for dental providers who may not have previously been eligible to receive funding through the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund.
House Appropriations Committee Advances 2021 Funding Bills
The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee held a markup for the fiscal year 2021 funding legislation on July 13, including the appropriations package for the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-HHS).