Put down 2017 Dentists at the Capitol Lobby Day as a success. About 35 dental professionals from across Colorado joined the CDA’s lobbying and government relations team as they converged upon the state Capitol on Friday, Feb. 17 to discuss with their legislators about key issues affecting the dental profession in Colorado.
This year, the primary issue for discussion at lobby day was needed insurance reforms, in particular, the practice of dental plans dictating payment rates for services they do not cover (noncovered services). A timely topic, SB17-190: Insurance Carrier Fees for Noncovered Dental Services was introduced in the state Senate just two days before lobby day. After receiving an introduction to the bill directly from dentists who have been affected by this contracting practice and a follow-up grassroots campaign, the bill passed its first committee, the state Senate Health and Human Services Committee. The bill goes to the Senate floor for a vote Feb. 28.
Other topics of discussion included:
- dental plan practices that do not serve the best interest of patients, including the design of pediatric deductibles in some embedded dental plans;
- patients’ right to choose their providers, including those who are out-of-network for their insurance plans;
- health insurance reform, which will be a big conversation at the state Capitol as health costs continue to rise; and
- budget issues, as state spending continues to be heavily constrained by TABOR.
Even though the 2017 lobby day is behind us, a lot of work has yet to be done, and we need your help. Log in to the CDA’s website to view key issues and bills the CDA is working on, and lend your voice to the discussion. If you feel strongly about the bills the CDA is supporting, contact your legislators today!