AGD Capitol Connections

After the great success of Massachusetts Ballot Question 2 in November 2022, legislation dealing with medical loss ratios for dental insurers was introduced in twelve states this year and was enacted in Arizona, Colorado, and Nevada and is still alive in Rhode Island.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

On May 15, 2023, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued a request for comments on a draft recommendation and draft evidence review on screening and preventive interventions for oral health in adults.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

On May 16, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated its Strategic Plan page to include a new Cross Cutting Initiative (CCI): Oral Health.

On May 22nd and 23rd AGD leaders from around the country descended on our nation's capital to petition their government on behalf of general dentists. Below are a few attendee highlights.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

On April 18, the AGD submitted a comment to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on their proposal to ban non-compete clauses. The proposed rule would affect one in five workers in the U.S. The AGD asked the FTC to immediately withdraw their proposal as many sections of the proposal require more research and development.

On May 1-3, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted the 2023 Quality Conference entitled, Building Resilient Communities: Having an Equitable Foundation for Quality Healthcare.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

On April 23, the AGD submitted a response to a Request For Information from Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks(IA-01) about reforming the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

On April 13–14, 2023, the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) held its April Public Meeting, including a session entitled, Access to Covered Dental Benefits for Adult Medicaid Beneficiaries: Panel Discussion.

The AGD Advocacy Fund supports national and constituent advocacy efforts by providing resources to tackle new matters, such as legislation or legal action affecting the practice of general dentistry.

On March 29, 2023, the Senate Committee on Finance’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing entitled, An Oral Health Crisis: Identifying and Addressing Health Disparities.

On March 29, the Senate passed HJ Res 7, which would terminate the President’s National Emergencies Act (NEA) declaration regarding the COVID-19 national emergency.

On February 27, 2023, Representatives Brian Babin (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) reintroduced the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act or the REDI Act. This bill would allow borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments, interest-free, until the completion of their programs.

On February 14, 2023, Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ray Luján (D-NM) and Susan Collins (R-ME), along with Representatives Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), reintroduced the bipartisan Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2023.

On February 21, 2023, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) held a hearing entitled, Examining Health Care Workforce Shortages: Where Do We Go from Here? The hearing examined the current and anticipated workforce shortages among health care personnel and addressed potential ways to mitigate the shortages.

Over the past two weeks, AGD leadership held virtual meetings with Senior Administration Health Officials to discuss AGD’s advocacy priorities and opportunities for collaboration and federal engagement.

Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) recently introduced S.5073, the Oral Health Literacy and Awareness Act of 2022, in the U.S. Senate.