Senate Committee Releases FY2021 Government Funding Proposals
The Senate Appropriations Committee published working drafts of its 12 Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 spending bills on November 10.
Senate Bill Introduced to Address Noncovered Services Issue
On November 12, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced S.4894, the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act, which helps ensure fairness in contracts between doctors and dental insurers and supports a healthy doctor-patient relationship.
House Republicans Introduce Targeted COVID-19 Package
House Republicans released a $47 billion Covid-19 relief proposal (H.R.14) on October 30 intended to be a "serious, targeted proposal" to address the pandemic (summary).
HHS Updates Reporting Requirements for Provider Relief Fund Recipients
On October 22, the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the reporting guidance for Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payment recipients had been amended to increase flexibility around how providers can apply PRF money toward lost revenues attributable to coronavirus.
Capitol Connections
AGD is working to address the most pressing issues faced by our members as we advocate to government entities for general dentists.
Coalition of Dental and Medical Groups Push for Consideration of Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
AGD, along with 28 other allied health organizations, including AAOMS and ADA, sent a letter to the leaders of the House Education & Labor Committee on October 15, voicing support for H.R.1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).
SBA Releases Guidance on Simpler Forgiveness for Small PPP Loans
On October 8, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Treasury Department released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans of $50,000 or less.
HHS Posts Additional Information Regarding Phase 3 Provider Relief Fund Distribution
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.
Short-Term Government Funding Bill Signed into Law
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.