3 things you missed in government this week

“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.    An ADA-supported bill was reintroduced in Congress that would require all private group and individual health plans to cover needed services for individuals born with congenital anomalies or birth defects. The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act would ensure coverage for inpatient and outpatient care and reconstructive services and procedures, as well as adjunctive dental, orthodontic or prosthodontic support. 

2.    The ADA is asking the U.S. Department of Education to expand income-based loan repayment options and curtail interest capitalization. This is in response to the Department of Education’s request for feedback about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, various income-driven student loan repayment plans and ways to help streamline current federal student financial assistance programs. The department is proposing to establish a negotiated rulemaking committee to consider whether and how Title IV regulations are impacting institutions of higher education, states and other partners. 

3.    ADA leaders are expressing concerns over a tax bill that proposes cuts to student aid programs. The Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan aims to lower costs of higher education and reduce the federal budget deficit, but the Association said the proposed cuts to student aid programs are overly broad and would negatively impact the dental community. The legislation advanced out of the House Education and Workforce Committee and will almost certainly be included in the upcoming budget reconciliation package.