The Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010, and no matter where you sit on the politics of the ACA, as of now the changes are happening. The main goal of the ACA is simply to provide more people with health care coverage. As for the dental portion, there is a lot of (mis)information out there and the uncertainty behind the changes that are coming. It seems that the majority of questions I hear the most revolve around who will be covered, what will be covered, and how the changes will effect the general dentist's business. This is my attempt to help make it slightly more clear than mud.
One of the best articles I have read appeared in the October 2012 edition of First Impressions, a magazine for "dental sales professionals". Two of the main points involve the Government giving & taking away.
As for the dentist,how these changes will effect reimbursements remains to be seen. The good news is, hopefully, that there will be a greater demand for dental care. The hope is that the supply of dentists can meet the demand. The ACA also includes a five year, national oral health prevention and education campaign targeting vulnerable populations. I assume that Kentucky is considered a "vulnerable" population. Perhaps with more education the belief that it is a rite of passage to lose one's teeth will become a thing of the past. One can hope at least.
This is certainly a topic that is not going away any time soon. I'd love to have some opinions. Next week's topic: OSHA! As always, please contact me with any questions. Go Cats!
One of the best articles I have read appeared in the October 2012 edition of First Impressions, a magazine for "dental sales professionals". Two of the main points involve the Government giving & taking away.
- The ACA has provided funding for certain health care providers that meet various criteria,one of which is a patient population of over 30% Medicaid. If eligible, the provider may receive a grant totaling over $60,000.
- And on the backside is the new Medical Device Tax of 2.3%. This covers all medical devices, as defined by the FDA, and covers most items from equipment & technology to composites & anesthetic. (Last I heard, the ADA is supporting a repeal of this provision)
As for the dentist,how these changes will effect reimbursements remains to be seen. The good news is, hopefully, that there will be a greater demand for dental care. The hope is that the supply of dentists can meet the demand. The ACA also includes a five year, national oral health prevention and education campaign targeting vulnerable populations. I assume that Kentucky is considered a "vulnerable" population. Perhaps with more education the belief that it is a rite of passage to lose one's teeth will become a thing of the past. One can hope at least.
This is certainly a topic that is not going away any time soon. I'd love to have some opinions. Next week's topic: OSHA! As always, please contact me with any questions. Go Cats!
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