Government Relations
A new governor and new leadership in the General Assembly were put to the test over the summer months in negotiating a deal for the 2023-24 fiscal year budget , which was to take effect on July 1 . Not long after it appeared that the legislature had passed a $ 45.5 billion budget in early July , the Senate and Gov . Josh Shapiro began to point fingers , trading accusations of negotiating in bad faith . When the governor announced that he would veto the line item in support of funding for private school vouchers , the Republican-led Senate claimed that the governor had reneged on the agreement made during negotiations . Gov . Shapiro responded that his justification for vetoing the funding was because the Senate had failed to secure an agreement from the Democratic-controlled House .
The situation in Harrisburg intensified when the Senate refused the necessary procedural step of signing the final budget approved by the House of Representatives , wanting Gov . Shapiro and the House Democrats to return to the negotiating table . The governor was unable to sign the budget deal , and a summer recess for the legislature was put on hold while the tug-of-war continued between the executive and legislative branches .
PDA ’ s Advocacy Continues
The governor and legislature returned to Harrisburg in August to sign a budget . But since they have not yet agreed to several fiscal codes necessary to complete the budget process , it remains unclear whether there will be additional appropriations for the dental Medical Assistance ( MA ) program and Donated Dental Services program , two budgetary items PDA lobbied for during negotiations .
At stake is whether the fiscal code would include additional funding to raise fees for the dental Medical Assistance ( MA ) program . PDA joined with other dental organizations to lobby the Administration and legislature for additional funding to raise MA fees approximately 20 percent for up to 31 services for children and adults . This fee increase was to take effect in the fee-for-service program and with the managed care companies contracted with the state to administer MA benefits to patients enrolled in the HealthChoices program . It was up to the legislature to appropriate enough money and then “ direct ” that the money be used to raise dental fees as part of the Human Services fiscal code .
Another fiscal code item at stake is whether the state would continue to appropriate funds to help operate Dental Lifeline Network ’ s Donated Dental Services program in the Commonwealth . The $ 150,000 in state funding is used to employ two regional coordinates who screen patients and facilitate communication , paperwork , and treatment with volunteer dentists and dental laboratories . The legislature must also “ direct ” the Department of Health ( DOH ) to use its funding for this purpose as part of the fiscal code .
What is clear in the budget that passed is the Shapiro Administration and General Assembly made historic investments in public education ( to the tune of $ 1 billion dollars ), and community and economic development . Other line items in the budget will impact , or have the potential to impact , dentistry and its current and prospective workforce . They include :
• An investment in the School-to-Work Program through the Department of Labor and Industry to develop and expand career pathways for high school students via partnerships between schools , employers , organizations , and the Commonwealth .
• More funding for professional licensing boards under the Department of State ’ s Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to streamline processes for individuals applying for licenses , certifications , and permits .
While remaining committed to fighting for this vital funding in support of dentists and patients , PDA ’ s lobbyists , staff , and volunteer leaders continued preparations for the fall legislative session , to be in the best possible position to lobby for PDA ’ s Dental Insurance Reform ( DIR ) goals . These include :
Credentialing ( HB 1510 ): This legislation will streamline the credentialing process for health care practitioners by requiring insurers to use the CAQH system to review and approve standard application forms , require that insurers complete the process of credentialing complete applications within 45 days , and
JULY / AUGUST 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7