| News affecting dental benefits |  |
- State of dental coverage under the ACA is unclear
Millions of children stand to gain dental benefits under the Affordable Care Act, though state and federal regulators are still working out details, and loopholes will enable some parents to skirt the provision. HHS has not said whether penalties will be levied against parents who fail to obtain dental coverage for their children. HHS might leave the decision up to the states, says NADP Executive Director Evelyn Ireland, and according to NADP the cost of the expanded coverage for children and fees imposed on insurers could make coverage unaffordable for many families, forcing parents to drop their own coverage to pay for their children's. KQED.org/State of Health blog
(12/14)     
- Orthodontics benefits may change under the ACA
Insurers selling health policies in the small group and individual market including on exchanges must provide a pediatric dental component. But the extent to which orthodontic services will be covered depends on whether a service is classified as cosmetic or medically necessary, says NADP Executive Director Evelyn Ireland, meaning only about 30% of current orthodontic procedures would be covered under essential health benefits packages. Some plans will add broader orthodontics coverage as a voluntary option, but all of the changes could result in employer cost shifting to employees, Ireland said. Too much cost shifting would likely result in adults dropping dental coverage and in poorer oral health outcomes for adults. Employee Benefit News
(12/18)
- Some devices used in dental care will be subject to new tax
Sleep apnea devices, snore guards, and some components and materials contained in dental instruments and restorations will be subject to a 2.3% tax under the Affordable Care Act, effective next month. Devices and products made at domestic dental labs and not required to be registered with the FDA are not subject to the tax. Manufacturers and importers may add the cost of the tax to their products. DrBicuspid.com (free registration)
(12/19)
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| NADP News | | |
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- NADP/LIMRA release Administrative Metric Report
The current business environment – a weak economy, high price sensitivity and health care reform requirements – highlight the importance of effective management of administrative components of dental plans. Insightful data from the NADP/LIMRA 2011 U.S. Group Dental Administrative Metrics report can help you sharpen your competitive edge in this business environment. In addition to recredentialing and recruitment data, the report includes administrative metrics regarding ID cards, Certificates of Coverage and document delivery; provider credentialing (timing and documentation); and provider directories updates and provider network updates. It is available for purchase via the Report Vault page of the NADP website.
- Advance your career with NADP webinars on demand
Did you miss a 2012 NADP Webinar you wanted to attend? Take advantage of NADP On-Demand Webinars featuring valuable presentations focusing on topics such preparing for Exchanges; what changing demographics mean for your business; the future of employer sponsored coverage; and innovation necessary to thrive in a changing marketplace. With NADP’s On-Demand Webinars, insightful content is available 24/7. Register in the On-Demand section of the NADP Webinar page.
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