News
In this
rapidly changing healthcare environment, NADP is closely monitoring
federal bills and regulations impacting our members in addition to state
issues. Recently published guidelines by government agencies will
affect both dental benefit utilization and providers. In addition, the
enactment of three coronavirus bills will have both direct and indirect
implications for the dental benefits industry.
COVID-19 Resources
- COVID-19 Open Forum –
NADP created a new COVID-19 Open Forum in Dental Interact (login
required) to track information related to the pandemic and its impact on
members. The forum includes links to external resources, state insurance bulletins, guidance issued to dentists by state dental associations,
updates on federal actions, and more. NADP staff will continue updating
and sharing information as it becomes available and we encourage
members to post questions, updates, or comments. - Free Webinar –
On March 24, NADP presented “COVID-19: NADP Member Briefing and Panel
Discussion,” a free, members’ only webinar discussion the effect of
state emergency declaration, dental carrier responses to the COVID-19
pandemic, teledentistry, and more. Find the recording of this webinar here. - COVID-19 FAQ –The Commission on Advocacy Policy and Communications WorkGroup collaborated on consumer FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and information for the NADP public website, WhyDental.org.
Congress Passes Three Coronavirus Bills
This month Congress passed three coronavirus bills, which directly or indirectly influence NADP members.
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations (H.R. 6074)
- Enacted March 6, 2020
- Provides $8.3
billion in emergency funding for federal agencies to respond to the
coronavirus outbreak, including the Small Business Administration (SBA),
Center for Disease Control, and National Institutes of Health.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R.6201)
- Enacted March 18, 2020
- Includes
requirements that health insurance and group health plans cover the cost
of testing and treatment of COVID-19, as well as extensions of food
assistance, unemployment insurance - Mandates paid family and sick leave for employers with 500 or less employees.
Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748)
- Enacted March 27, 2020
- $2.2 trillion
spending package to provide relief to individuals, local governments,
and companies during the economic downturn resulting from COVID-19 and
assist in the public health response to the pandemic.- Includes $100 billion in direct grants and loans to healthcare providers treating COVID-19
- $377 Billion in loans and grants to small businesses
NADP staff is currently reviewing the CARES Act and will post the analysis in the COVID Open Forum on April 1.
Congressional Research Service Summary of Business Tax Provisions
Center for Responsible Federal Budget Summary
Agency Updates
CMS Recommends Postponement of Elective Dental Procedures
On March 18,
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommended the
suspension of all non-elective surgery and non-emergency dental
procedures. The recommendation follows similar guidance from the American Dental Association on March 16.
