Government Relations
The legislative session extended well beyond the Independence Day holiday while lawmakers continued budget negotiations for fiscal year 2024-25 . There was a flurry of other activity as the Senate and House “ traded ” legislation that they agreed should pass before the summer recess . PDA ’ s lobbyists , government relations team and volunteer leaders were engaged every step of the way during a particularly busy spring / summer session . We had positive momentum on the budget process and several bills impacting dentistry and the patients you treat — take a look !
BUDGET
Medicaid fee increase After months of negotiation , the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed the state budget on July 11 , setting the course for the remainder of the fiscal year that ends June 30 , 2025 . As a result of months of advocacy from PDA and other dental organizations making a compelling case for why the dental Medicaid program desperately needs more funding , the General Assembly appropriated $ 12 million to increase fees for 31 dental services provided to children and adults in the Medicaid program , starting in January 2025 . DHS will apply for a match of up to $ 26 million from the federal government to help increase those fees approximately 20 percent .
Find out more about the 31 codes in the Advocacy section of PDA ’ s website at www . padental . org \ advocacy .
Donated Dental Services program PDA successfully lobbied for a continuation of funding from the state for Dental Lifeline Network ’ s ( DNL ) Donated Dental Services ( DDS ) program .
DLN uses this funding to employ two regional coordinators who screen patients and connect them with volunteer dentists and dental laboratories who provide services and dental appliances free of charge . They handle the administrative tasks necessary to operate the program and act as a conduit between the patient and dentist before and after treatment is rendered . Without this funding , DLN could no longer operate a DDS program in Pennsylvania .
Eligible patients include those who are medically fragile , disabled or elderly . The DDS program also includes outreach specifically to our state ’ s military veterans , whose oral health care needs are often overlooked . As a result of their ages or disabilities , many cannot work and depend on public aid for health care . Medicare , however , does not cover dental treatment and the state ’ s Medical Assistance program provides limited dental benefits to adults . The DDS program serves as a resource of last resort for these individuals .
DDS ’ s statewide network of 538 dentists and 114 dental labs have provided the following benefits to Pennsylvanians since its inception in 1996 :
• 6,197 total patients served
• More than $ 21.8 million in total care donated by volunteers
• Average value of donated care per patient is more than $ 4,927
• A new program devoted to finding care for veterans
For this year alone , DNL ’ s goal is to donate close to $ 1 million in comprehensive dental services to at least 355 patients in need .
LEGISLATION
Virtual Credit Card ( HB 1664 ) We are proud to report that on July 8 , the General Assembly passed PDA ’ s legislation requiring transparency , payment options and choice for dentists . Governor Josh Shapiro signed HB 1664 , now Act 58 , on July 16 and the law will take effect in 60 days .
Before final passage , the Senate adopted an amendment that added other health care practitioners to the bill and stipulates that the bill is applicable to participating providers . The amendment also includes an unrelated requirement for insurers to allow patients to opt out of electronic notifications . Both the Senate and House approved the amendment .
HB 1664 :
• Does not prohibit insurers from using virtual credit card payments altogether . It simply states that virtual credit cards cannot be the only option .
• Requires that insurers provide notice to participating dentists of all payment options , as well as instructions and contact information for dentists to obtain the exact fees imposed by the insurer or its contracted vendor ( s ).
• Gives dentists the ability to opt into the payment option that works best for their dental practice .
It took a lot of hard work , and support from our grassroots members , to pass HB 1664 ! Check out our infographic on page 10 to see how HB 1664 wound its way through the legislative process to the Governor ’ s desk !
JULY / AUGUST 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7