G o v e rn men t Relat ions
Of the 22 states with assignment of benefits laws, there is no data
illustrating increased cost to patients. A study from the Indiana
Health Law Review found that assignment of benefits laws
eliminates many of the administrative hassles associated with
billing and payment experienced by both providers and patients,
and can even reduce the need for providers to raise rates.
Dentists are looking to practice in states with a friendly business
environment. Ask any dental student and they will tell you that
they factor in a state’s third-party payer practices and policies when
deciding where to practice dentistry. Currently, Pennsylvania
retains less than 30 percent of its dental school graduates because
they are seeking employment in other states with fewer insurance
restrictions and fairer reimbursement to cover overhead expenses,
salaries, etc. Lack of Assignment of benefits legislation is hurting
Pennsylvania’s dental workforce capacity
PADPAC and Grassroots Efforts
In order to set the stage for a legislatively dynamic and productive
New Year PADPAC spent November and December actively
contributing to key members of the Pennsylvania House to show
our support for those who support us.
Last fall, PDA President-Elect Dr. Jim Tauberg and government
relations coordinator John Basial met with Speaker of the House
Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) in his district office to discuss how
HB 564, (assignment of benefits) would help both patients and
dentists and improve access to dental care in Pennsyvlania.
Also last fall, several PDA members accompanied John Basial and
PDA lobbyist Peg Kuskin to a dinner with Speaker Turzai to further
discuss HB 564 and other legislative and regulatory issues
impacting dentistry. Speaker Turzai generously offered many
strategic and tactical suggestions on how to improve our chances
of getting HB 564 through the General Assembly.
Thank you to Dr. John Bamonte, Dr. Michael Gans, Dr. Jim Tauberg,
Dr. Jay Wells III, Mrs. Leona Wells, Lee Rodems (University of
Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine student and ASDA vice-
President), and Chelsea Thompson (University of Pittsburgh School
of Dental Medicine student) for taking the time to advocate for
the dental profession!
Late in 2019, the PADPAC Board voted to use members’ soft dollar
donations to make significant contributions to House Leadership,
those individuals who decide which issues are voted on and help
garner enough support to pass legislation.
8
MA R CH/A P R I L 2020 | P EN N S YLVA N IA D EN TA L J O UR N A L
PADPAC contributed to a national political organization to help
raise Speaker Turzai’s profile both in Pennsylvania and across the
nation. We also helped pay for his annual December holiday party.
In addition, we gave him a significant campaign check during the
dinner hosted by Pittsburgh-based members.
Every year in December House Appropriations chair Stan Saylor
(R-York) plans something special for his committee chairs. This year,
he took all his committee chairs to dinner and PAPAC covered the
cost of the event. In a show of how much Rep. Saylor values PDA
he invited PDA Immediate Past President Dr. Jim Boyle to attend.
This is a rare honor as Dr. Boyle was the only non legislator to attend
the dinner.
Rep. Greg Rothman
(R-Cumberland) is a rising
leader in charge of raising
funds for the Republican
Party, which is in the
majority in both the House
and Senate. We covered
some of the expenses at
his PA Society event, which
was held in New York City
in December. PA Society
dates back over a century
and is well attended by
Pennsylvania’s national
and state politicians, staff
and lobbyists. It’s one of
the biggest Pennsylvania
political events of the
entire year.