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Last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a two-month extension of the comment period on the Form 5500 Modernization Proposals, which applies to dental plans (see Hogan Lovells applicability memo). The new deadline for comments is Monday, Dec.5.

This month, NADP submitted comments in support of a Texas Sunset Commission Report on the State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) and in particular, the Report’s Issue 1 findings regarding the TSBDE’s inappropriate focus on regulating dentists’ contracts with Dental Support Organizations (DSOs).

While the current pandemic curtailed travel for numerous March meetings, NADP continued to serve as the voice of the dental benefits industry to key stakeholders. NADP also advanced the industry by providing invaluable member resources.

In response to member feedback regarding workloads, the NADP Research Commission has revised its 2020 survey schedule. The updated schedule will provide relief by postponing some survey requests and extending deadlines on others while ensuring NADP delivers valued market intelligence.

NADP continues to represent the dental benefits industry to stakeholders and the media.

By a vote of 52-48, the U.S. Senate confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. Her appointment means the court will have nine Justices present for the oral arguments in Texas v. California, the case on the severability of the individual mandate from the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2021 (H.R. 6395) was presented to the President last week and includes a provision to repeal a transition of the administration of TRICARE dental plans for Active-Duty family members, non-activated National Guard/Reserve members, family members of National Guard/Reserve members, and certain survivors to FEDVIP.[i] The provision being repealed was originally included in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2019[ii] and would have been effective 1/1/2022.

On March 3, Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the Oral Health for Moms Act, which would expand oral health coverage in Medicaid for those who are pregnant or postpartum. The bill would also expand funding for dental services at Federally Qualified Heath Centers and make oral health coverage during pregnancy and postpartum an Essential Health Benefit (EHB). NADP provided recommendations related to the EHB provision and will continue to engage with bill sponsors moving forward. The bill will not be considered as part of the COVID relief package currently moving in the Senate.

Plan now to participate in the 2021 NADP Research program. Your participation enhances the value of NADP surveys for your company and the industry. Following are details about current surveys.…

On July 19, the Oregon Governor signed H. 3159, which requires health care providers and insurers, including standalone dental plans (SADPs), to collect from a patient, client, or member, data on race, ethnicity, preferred spoken and written languages, disability status, sexual orientation, and gender identity.