PDA Again Selected for ADA ’ s State Public Affairs Program
Since its inception , the ADA ’ s State Public Affairs ( SPA ) program has evolved nationally and helped more than 35 state dental societies manage public affairs issues , build strong communication capabilities and bolster advocacy efforts .
For the past four years , PDA has applied for and been granted funding from the SPA program to enhance our lobbying efforts with third party payer issues and Medicaid . With this funding PDA has retained the services of another contract lobbyist to assist our principal lobbyist at the Capitol . Additional “ boots on the ground ” give us another strategic advantage , particularly during the most critical junctures of a bill ’ s movement through the legislative process .
We also benefit from the expertise of and advice from senior ADA staff and public relations consultants during monthly meetings . PDA staff and volunteer leaders learn about tactics that have been successful in other states , tips for effective communication with policymakers , and proven strategies for engaging members , the public , and other stakeholders to make dentistry ’ s message more impactful .
This year , our SPA consultants helped lay the groundwork for educating policymakers about the need for virtual credit card legislation , one of PDA ’ s dental insurance reform ( DIR ) priorities .
PDA has also been at the table for discussions on Medicaid funding and how best to allocate the state ’ s finite funding to benefit Medicaid dentists and the patients they serve .
Our involvement in the SPA program has been a decisive factor in our legislative successes this past year . In June , we passed our Virtual Credit Card legislation , which prohibits dental insurers from adopting a policy that they pay dentists only with virtual credit cards . PDA ’ s lobbying efforts to increase Medicaid funding also resulted in fee increases in 31 dental codes , which take effect on January 1 , 2025 .
This fall , we continued to use the SPA funding to educate lawmakers as the General Assembly and administration prepare for a new legislative session next year . With Virtual Credit Card legislation off the table , we focused on our other DIR priorities : credentialing reforms and Dental Loss Ratio legislation . Plans are underway to launch a campaign that illustrates what the legislature can do to make the Commonwealth a more attractive state in which to practice dentistry , making the connection between dental insurance reimbursement and other reforms and a sufficient dental workforce .
Thank you , ADA , for choosing Pennsylvania to be part of the SPA Program !
28 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL