The ADA has posted on its Web site a point-by-point critique of oral health provisions in the massive healthcare reform bill now being debated in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Overall, the ADA doesn't support the bill, though it favors several provisions. Among its objections:
* The bill does nothing to increase dental coverage for adults or to raise Medicaid reimbursement for dentists, even though it raises the payment for other primary care physicians.
* A new public option insurance plan could require dentists to participate, limit fees, or otherwise restrict their freedom to operate as businesses in the private market.
* The bill doesn't stop insurance companies from limiting what dentists can charge for procedures not covered by the insurer.
* The bill doesn't allow stand-alone dental plans to be offered through new public exchanges.
* The bill doesn't limit non-economic damages and attorney's fees in malpractice lawsuits.
On the other hand, the ADA supports several parts of the bill, including:
* Requirements that insurance offered in the public exchange include dental benefits for children.
* Government subsidies for people who can't afford their own insurance.
* A provision that would rescind insurers' exemption from federal anti-trust legislation.
* More money for training of dental professionals and for preventive health research.
