G ove r n men t Re lat ions
2017-2018 Legislative Session Recap
The 2017-2018 legislative session winded down with many
issues still on the table, and only a few days remaining to get any
legislation passed. Both chambers returned to Harrisburg in
late September with a lot of work to be done. When the next
legislative session begins, we will see a change in make-up of
both chambers, due to both retirement and election upset. Bills
that were introduced, but not passed, this session will “die” at
the end of 2018 and need to be reintroduced next session.
In the final days legislators were focused on a number of different
issues, including health and insurance related issues, but most
notably PDA’s assignment of benefits legislation.
PDA’s Fight for Assignment of Benefits:
Time Runs Out on Passing Legislation Before
Elections
Assignment of benefits legislation was PDA’s top priority this
legislative session. This legislation would allow patients to
directly assign their dental benefit to the dentist of their choice,
regardless of whether or not that dentist participates with the
patient’s insurance carrier.
In June, PDA was successful in moving SB 373 out of the House
Insurance Committee, despite the objection from the insurance
lobby. However, the committee amended SB 373 to require
dual signature, and prohibit dentists from balance billing when
they do accept the assigned benefit directly. The amendment
also extends the effective date from 60 to 240 days. PDA did not
support this amendment, but instead asked legislators to
support SB 373 with printer’s number 1287. This was the bill
originally passed by the Senate in January.
SB 373 was placed on the House calendar for consideration when
legislators returned to Harrisburg in September.
On October 17, the House of Representatives voted unanimously
for SB 373, PDA’s legislation requiring insurers to honor patients’
request to assign benefits directly to dentists, even if they are
non-participating providers. But because the House passed
the version of SB 373 with amendments that PDA opposed, the
bill had to return to the Senate for a concurrence vote.
PDA had support from enough Senators to vote against
concurrence so that the original bill passed by the Senate in
January (Printers Number 1287) would be sent back to the
House of Representatives for another vote. However, the Senate
adjourned before the Senate Rules Committee voted against
concurrence with the version passed by the House earlier that
day. At this time, it is unclear whether the House and Senate
will return to Harrisburg to vote on any more legislation before
the end of session. PDA will monitor developments at the State
Capitol in case either chamber does return to session.
As of now, we simply ran out of time to pass the only version
of SB 373 we found acceptable. We believe that SB 373, printers
number 1287, would have improved efficiency in your office
and benefited your patients by improving access to care by their
dentist of choice. We will continue to advocate on your behalf on
this issue, and all of PDA’s legislative and regulatory priorities.
Never before has PDA come this close to passing assignment of
benefits legislation in Pennsylvania. Though the insurance lobby
was vehemently opposed to SB 373 the entire session, we
successfully moved the bill through almost all of the steps in the
legislative process. This was a monumental feat and a testament
to how much legislators respect the dental profession. It is also
indicative that the hard work over the years of countless PDA
volunteer leaders, lobbyist and staff, really does have impact in
the legislative arena.
We thank all of you, as well, for answering our calls for assistance
when needed. All of your letters, phone calls and meetings over
the years to advocate for your profession and patients, really
did work. It all helped move SB 373 further than it has ever been
before. Never think that your relationships with lawmakers and
advocacy efforts are in vain – we have achieved legislative
victories in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Stay
tuned for more information about PDA’s legislative priorities for
the upcoming 2019-2020 session.
Telemedicine
Senator Elder Vogel reintroduced SB 780, regarding telemedicine.
The legislation authorizes the regulations of telemedicine by
professional licensing boards and provides for insurance
reimbursements for telemedicine services. The utilization of
telecommunications technology allows healthcare providers to
increase access by allowing patients to stay in their communities
and avoid traveling long distances to receive specialized care.
The Senate passed SB 780 in June with a vote of 49-0, after
having made substantial amendments that warrants further
engagement and recommendations from stakeholders.
The bill was referred to the House Professional Licensure
Committee. On September 12, the committee held a hearing
on SB 780. Several health care provider groups spoke in favor of
N OVEM BER/DECEM BER 2018 | P EN N SYLVAN IA DEN TAL JOURNAL
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