3 things you missed in government this week

Budget reconciliation, tobacco control, dental insurance

“Three Things You Missed in Government This Week” is designed to offer a way to stay informed on the topics of the week. These updates are meant to offer brief details on legislative or regulatory topics to keep dentists engaged and up to date. To explore the ADA’s latest advocacy efforts, more information is available at ADA.org/Advocacy.

1.    The U.S. House of Representatives passed the budget reconciliation package, marking the first of many steps toward approving key elements of President Trump’s domestic agenda. The legislation includes several ADA-supported provisions, such as expanded small business deduction, restored bonus depreciation, employer student loan payments and increased flexibility within health savings accounts and flexible savings accounts. However, it also includes several ADA-opposed provisions, including the removal of pass-through entity tax deductions, limits on research income and repeal of the de minimis import privilege.  

2.    The ADA signed onto a coalition letter led by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids that shares concerns about the impact of recent federal workforce reductions on tobacco control efforts. This comes after the elimination of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Smoking and Health, which was located within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and staffing reductions at the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products.

3.    The ADA commented on competition in the dental insurance market, applauding the Department of Justice’s renewed focus on competition in health care and offering its perspective on how historically limited competition in dental insurance harms patients and dental professionals. In a letter, the Association outlined the factors contributing to this issue and recommended actions to promote fair competition and protect consumers.