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During our recent Strategic Planning process, NADP adopted a new mission statement. Currently our volunteer groups are finalizing their operational tactics to support the high-level initiatives in the Strategic Plan. This month, I want to highlight the new Strategic Plan and some current NADP activities supporting the association’s mission.

NADP continues to represent the dental benefits industry to key industry stakeholders. Following are November highlights.

The NADP Board of Directors recently elected the following officers

Ohio HB 344, a non-covered service (NCS) bill, was considered at an opponent hearing on Nov. 17. NADP submitted written testimony in opposition of this bill because, while it would not increase costs for insurers, it would increase out-of-pocket dental care costs for Buckeyes that have dental benefits.

On Friday, Nov. 19, by a vote of 220 to 213, the US House passed the $1.67 trillion budget reconciliation bill known as the Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376). The bill includes Medicaid expansion gap coverage, extended subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace health plans and expanding Medicare coverage to include hearing aids alongside other non-health provisions. Dental coverage expansion in Medicare is not included in the package.

NADP continues to provide insightful research reports to help our members succeed. Following is a brief update on recently published and upcoming reports.

The year 2021 is ending. On New Year’s Eve, some people will celebrate the end of 2021 and be happy that it’s behind us because it was another challenging year. Many of us will celebrate the arrival of 2022 and hope for a less disruptive year ahead.

Members gained insight into common challenges through educational and sponsored webinars, now available in the Recordings section of the Knowledge Center. Once again, members received free registration for all webinars while non-members paid $99 for educational webinars.

As the representative and recognized voice of the dental benefits industry, NADP advanced your positions among key stakeholders and the media throughout 2021.

As part of the ongoing negotiations on the Build Back Better package, congressional Democrats are debating varying proposals for adding a dental benefit to Medicare. In September, a comprehensive dental benefit passed both the Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Committees, which would begin in 2028.