Government Relations
Now that pandemic issues are well in hand , PDA has also resumed quarterly meetings with officials from the Department of Human Services ’ Office of Medical Assistance Programs to discuss MA reforms , such as holding managed care organizations accountable with credentialing dentists , network adequacy and raising reimbursement rates . At our last meeting , OMAP officials committed to contacting those MCOs who are not complying with contract provisions to credential dentists in a timely manner .
COVID Waivers
Governor Wolf signed into law SB 1019 , which extended some COVID-19 waivers through June 30 , 2022 . Most of the waivers for dentistry had long since expired , and some more recently at the end of March , but the final two in effect that impact dentistry expire in June . Dentists were still allowed to administer the COVID vaccine , though June 6 . The waiver allowing out-of-state dentists to provide telehealth services to in-state patients without having a Pennsylvania license also remains in effect through June 30 . However , there are no laws or regulations explicitly prohibiting the practice of telehealth and insurers may continue covering services after the waiver expires .
PDA is lobbying in support of legislation to amend the Dental Law so that dentists may continue to administer COVID tests and vaccines , arguing that dentists already have the requisite education and training to administer diagnostic and antibody tests , as well as intramuscular vaccines .
The Governor ’ s proposal included more funding for the COVID-19 Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance program , so PDA took the opportunity to discuss all of the difficulties dentists still face because of the pandemic , such as the cost of PPE , difficulty hiring staff and having to pay them more , and the decrease in patient volume , all compounded by stagnant or reduced reimbursement fees . Should the legislature appropriate more money , PDA asked that the Administration prioritize health care providers , specifically dentists , when reviewing applications for assistance .
PDA followed up with the appropriation chair in the House to make the same requests and will keep members apprised of any developments . It ’ s unclear how much of the ARPA funding the legislature is willing to spend . We will keep making the point that COVID is still having a huge impact on dentists — those who are practicing now and our future doctors .
ARPA Funding
PDA ’ s lobbyist and staff met with administration officials to talk about how Pennsylvania should spend the remaining funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act ( ARPA ). About $ 2.2 billion remains , and while Governor Wolf can propose how to spend it ( which he recently did to the tune of $ 1.7 billion ) the legislature ultimately appropriates the money by passing legislation . It can happen now during “ budget season ,” along with the state budget , or at any time during session . The legislature has until the end of 2024 to spend ARPA money .
10 MAY / JUNE 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL