he holiday season is nearly here, and while we take the time to celebrate family and food, it is also a time of preparation for the
2018 legislative session. The MDA’s Annual House of Delegates meeting and MDA Board meetings were the first weekend of Novem- ber. The Board adopted its legislative agenda for 2018 and the House of Delegates adopted policies, both of which will drive legislative efforts for the MDA. This also marks my first month working with the MDA. I plunged right in and really have enjoyed the educa- tional experience and warm welcomes from everyone—you all sure know how to make a girl feel special.
Although 2018 is an off-election year, it’s important to keep in mind that candidate filing for the August primaries is at the end of February. This means it is equally important to an election year, in terms of MODentPAC contributing to candidates and continually building relationships. Therefore, it’s vital you contribute to your PAC in order to shape our advocacy efforts in a positive way.
Given the completely unpredictable out- comes of this last round of elections, it is imperative to ensure that we support candi- dates on a broad spectrum—especially given both the House and the Senate will experi- ence its largest turnover since 2002.
The House’s 163 members will all be up for reelection this coming year. A third of those will be replaced: 45 are term limited and five are retiring early. Additionally, about 35 of the 50 are Republicans and nearly all of those hold a leadership or chair position. The Sen- ate math is similar: Of the 34 spots, 17 are up for re-election, with 10 of those due to term limits. Top spots in the House and Senate will be vacated and new leadership from top to bottom will be elected, which only adds to the importance of building relationships with the newly elected officials.
14 focus | NOV/DEC 2017 | ISSUE 6
this is where your PAC contributions send a message early on, as elected officials are not quick to forget who supported them through their campaigning efforts.
Missouri’s Legislature will convene January 3, 2018 and adjourn May 18. The passage of CBCT language allows us to check that off priority our legislative agenda this year and allows you to save thousands of dollars in inspection costs. This year the MDA’s focus once again will be placed on insurance policy reform and Medicaid funding, as well as Do- nated Dental Services appropriations.
2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PRIORITIES
Insurance Policy Reforms: Require PPO Listing Updates ► The MDA will work with the appropriate agency(s) and/or seek legislation that mandates insurance companies to update their dentist provider list upon official notification of the provider’s change of participation status and/or change of practice address.
Medicaid/Managed Care Funding: Increase Provider Reimbursement Rates ► The MDA will support legislation to increase the rate at which the state reimburses Medicaid and Managed Care providers who provide dental services.
Medicaid Funding: Maintain/Increase Current Funding for Adult Dental Services The MDA will support legislation to restore funding for adult Medicaid dental services.
Donated Dental Services ► The MDA will work with the appropriations committee and legislators to push for funds for Donated Dental Services to be placed in the budget after being stripped last year.
These incoming freshman legislators present an ideal opportunity to hammer down the dental profession’s issues and really build strong advocacy efforts from the outset. But
The MDA’s legislative team also will be monitoring happenings with dental hygienist “extended care.” We will review any extended access legislation filed through MDHA’s legislative efforts and take appropriate steps to guarantee success for our members. The MDA also has been working with Comfort Dental to address language to clarify that franchise agreements would not constitute fee splitting. We will address concerns, con- sider language and monitor this matter as it unfolds, as we did in the last session.
Finally, I hope to see you all at the Legisla- tive Day events on January 23, 2018 for the Legislative Reception and PAC Dinner (re- served for those who have contributed $250 or more to MODentPAC), and January 24, 2018 for the Legislative Day at the Capitol. As you can see, we have a list of issues that need to be addressed with legislators. Missouri’s elected officials respect hearing about the issues you face and directly from the source. So come out to eat, drink, mix and mingle— but most important, let your voice be heard for your dental profession. f
CONTACT SHANTEL at shantel@ modentalmail.org. Stay up to date on 2018 advocacy efforts at modental. org/advocacy. RSVP for Legislative Day at modental.org/legday.
