Bytes

The Coronavirus pandemic has been disruptive to the Research Agenda for 2021, but also presented opportunities for industry collaboration to quickly address the impact on the dental benefits industry through NADP’s Research program. The ability for plans to respond to planned industry surveys was significantly reduced, especially during local government-imposed lockdowns, staff furloughs and the rapid shift to remote work for NADP staff and for member companies.

To help NADP members maintain a competitive edge, and support multiple association initiatives in advocacy, communications and EDI. In 2019 NADP published the following reports providing valuable industry intelligence and…

In mid-January, NADP forwarded comments to the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight (CCIIO) on the proposed 2016 Letter to Issuers, which provides guidance to carriers operating on the Federally-facilitated Marketplaces.

NADP’s Commission on Advocacy Policy (CAP) continues to work with NADP’s consultants, Applied Policy, on statutory language that would reduce the administrative burdens of offering separate dental plans to cover pediatric dental coverage as required by the Essential Health Benefits.

On April 27, 2015, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the final Public Health Service recommendation for the optimal fluoride level in drinking water to prevent tooth decay.

NADP members and staff continue to track essential health benefits (EHB) benchmark updates from the states in Dental Interact (DI). Many states were granted a deadline extension from CMS to July 1 to submit the EHB benchmarks. As more states publish their decisions, NADP and the Government Relations and Exchange Workgroups will track the decisions, compare to prior benchmarks and publish analysis as available.

With updates posted almost daily, you won’t want to miss the latest news in Exchange and Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation. Here are some of the latest updates (subscribe to the Health Care Reform Open Forum for more):

As 2015 draws to a close, NADP Members can feel a sense of accomplishment for their many contributions advancing our industry and association. This issue of the Monthlybyte eNewsletter focuses on these accomplishments and provides detailed accounts of the work of our volunteers. This eNewsletter also underscores the value of NADP membership and our volunteer leaders who provide the knowledge and direction that is the foundation for our success. I encourage you to read all the articles in this issue as they demonstrate how NADP advance our industry. Following are some departmental highlights from a very productive 2015.

States: While the vast majority of state legislative sessions adjourned over the summer, regulatory agencies and Departments of Insurance have continued their work into the fall and winter.

NADP provided comments this month urging the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance (OSI) to clarify an exemption for dental benefits in a proposed rule on uniform credentialing.