News
The
Massachusetts Connector has requested dental plans operating on the
Exchange to submit a Quality Improvement Strategy (QIS), which was
defined in the ACA as “rewarding quality through market-based
incentives.” Neither ACA or CMS has outlined the specifics on
application to dental, and we have learned the Massachusetts Exchange is
gathering the information to better understand if and what dental plans
are doing related to quality. In comments submitted this month, NADP recommended:
- As the
Massachusetts Connector collects QIS’s from dental carriers to better
understand various perspectives, NADP strongly recommends any quality
components to be based on DQA measures and initiatives. - In addition,
dental carriers, providers and regulators will need time and flexibility
as this new and emerging trend is incorporated appropriately within the
oral health community.
As a policy,
NADP supports the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) and advocates
policymakers use DQA so there is a minimum standard for industry,
regulators and agencies. Both the MA and CA Exchanges are exploring
dental quality measures.