Government Relations
2023-24 Legislative Session in Review
It ’ s been a big year for PDA in the legislative arena . The General Assembly passed several bills that impact dentistry — in a good way Here ’ s a recap of our legislative victories in 2024 , illustrating the strength of PDA ’ s advocacy on members ’ behalf .
Virtual Credit Card ( Act 58 of 2024 ) PDA sparred with the dental insurers and credit card lobbyists and came out on top — our No . 1 dental insurance reform issue passed on July 15 !
Act 58 :
• 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 participating dentists the ability to opt into the payment option that works best for their dental practice .
Noncompete Covenants ( Act 74 ) Because of PDA ’ s advocacy , this bill now includes an amendment to clearly define “ health care practitioner ” as medical doctors , doctors of osteopathy , certified registered nurse anesthetists , certified registered nurse practitioners , and physician assistants , so that dentistry isn ’ t included in a bill intended to address problems in medicine . PDA believed it was important to handle the issue of noncompete covenants for dentistry on its own .
Telehealth ( Act 42 of 2024 )
• Defines telehealth and requires health insurers and managed care plans to pay for covered services that are rendered through telehealth , so long as standards of care are met .
• Dental and visions policies are included under the definition of “ health insurance policy .” It also covers CHIP and Medicaid .
• Requires licensing boards to promulgate regulations for those health care practitioners under their respective jurisdiction .
Medicaid Funding for Fee Increase Appropriated $ 12 million to increase fees for 31 dental services provided to children and adults in the Medicaid program , starting January 1 , 2025 . DHS will apply for a match from the federal government .
Donated Dental Services program
• PDA successfully lobbied for a continuation of funding from the state for Dental Lifeline Network ’ s ( DNL ) Donated Dental Services 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 .
• This year , DDS ’ s statewide network of 538 dentists and 114 dental labs donated close to $ 1 million in comprehensive dental services to at least 355 patients in need , including veterans .
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7