{"id":21611,"date":"2025-05-01T15:19:24","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T19:19:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/?page_id=21611"},"modified":"2025-11-04T09:49:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T14:49:31","slug":"mda-journal-government-affairs-update","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/mda-journal\/current-journal-issue\/mda-journal-government-affairs-update\/","title":{"rendered":"MDA Journal Government Affairs Update"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h1>MDA Journal Government Affairs Update<\/h1>\n<p><nav  aria-label=\"breadcrumb\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BreadcrumbList\"><li class=\"breadcrumb-item active\" aria-current=\"page\" itemprop=\"itemListElement\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ListItem\"><span itemprop=\"name\">Home<\/span><meta itemprop=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/li><\/ol><\/nav>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1756326235751{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Legislature Largely Inactive in \u201925 Thus Far<\/h2>\n<p>As this issue goes to press, the Michigan Legislature hadn\u2019t met since June and the 2026 budget still hadn\u2019t been passed after legislators missed a July 1 deadline for passage. As of August a total of just six bills had passed the House and Senate since the beginning of the year \u2014 the fewest number of bills passed at this point in 20 years.<\/p>\n<p>Nevertheless, during the inactivity MDA dentists have been busy meeting with their legislators on MDA priorities, some of which include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passage of the MDA\u2019s virtual credit card bill that would require insurance companies to offer at least one form of payment that provides the dentist 100% of the payable amount for a claim.<\/li>\n<li>Revision of the specialty advertising rules to ensure that all dentists follow the applicable rules. (See your August <em>Journal<\/em>, Pages 6 and 22.)<\/li>\n<li>Addressing workforce issues, including increasing the supply of registered dental hygienists and dental assistants.<\/li>\n<li>Improving Medicaid anesthesia reimbursement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For more information and updates on MDA advocacy, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/advocacy\/\">michigandental.org\/Advocacy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4>You Can Be an MDA Advocate!<\/h4>\n<p>As always, it\u2019s important for you as an MDA member to stay legislatively aware and contact your legislators to maintain funding for dental programs as well as for other priorities. So, if you haven\u2019t done so already, sign up for MDA Legislative Text Alerts by texting <strong>Dental<\/strong> to <strong>50457<\/strong>. You\u2019ll be alerted to contact your legislator when critical legislative issues arise, using the easy-to-access contact form.<\/p>\n<h4>Special Legislative Issue Next Month<\/h4>\n<p>Watch for next month\u2019s digital <em>Journal<\/em> \u2014 it\u2019s a special issue devoted to MDA legislative advocacy! Included will be a message from our MDA Dental PAC chair, a review of current MDA advocacy initiatives, and a listing of 2025 MDA Dental PAC donors.<\/p>\n<p><em>Questions? Contact <a href=\"mailto:bsullivan@michigandental.org\">Bill Sullivan<\/a>, vice president, advocacy and professional relations.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23470&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; link=&#8221;http:\/\/www.omegadentalsupply.com\/&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23575&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1756326380519{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>At golf outing \u2014<\/strong> Dr. Brian Lang (center right), MDA dentist and legislative advocate, of Bloomfield Hills, attended state Rep. Donni Steele\u2019s golf outing Aug. 4 at Indianwood Golf &amp; Country Club in Lake Orion. Rep. Steele (R-Orion Township) is shown next to him along with other (non-dentist) members of the foursome. If you receive an email alerting you to an upcoming fundraiser or legislative event, consider attending! It\u2019s important that the voices of dentists are heard by our elected state representatives and senators. For more information, contact the MDA\u2019s <a href=\"mailto:lynn@actionstrat.com\">Lynn Aronoff<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23574&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1756326451262{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>On the links \u2014<\/strong> Another legislative golf outing, sponsored by Rep. Phil Green (R-Millington), took place Friday, June 6 at the Metamora Golf &amp; Country Club in Metamora. The group pictured consisted of (left to right): Daniel Varsanik, Dr. Emily Varsanik, of Davison, Rep. Green, Dr. Mike Murphy, of Oxford, and Dirk Denbaas.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21621&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1745266436699{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Outside Capitol \u2014<\/strong> Politically active dental students and MDA dentists visited congressional offices during the two-day ADA event.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21620&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1745266444362{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Washington visitors \u2014<\/strong> The United States Capitol building provided an impressive backdrop for these members of the MDA\u2019s Washington delegation.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1761745468475{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>STATE LEGISLATURE<\/h2>\n<h3>Good News: FY 2026 Budget Maintains Dental Program Funding<\/h3>\n<p>The Michigan Legislature passed, and the governor signed, the much-delayed 2025-26 state budget at the beginning of October. This occurred after a very brief government shutdown that had no impact on state services. The budget signing represented the culmination of several months of contentious fighting between the state House of Representatives and the Senate.<\/p>\n<p>The MDA, as well as other stakeholders, were able to defeat proposals that would have cut the adult dental Medicaid program by $21 million, cut the $3 million that paid for an increase to the facility fee for dental procedures for special needs patients requiring anesthesia, and put in danger the funding for the Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS) program. The MDA thanks all the member dentists who took the time to respond to MDA legislative text alerts to urge legislators to maintain this important funding.<\/p>\n<h4>Work continues on other priorities<\/h4>\n<p>As a result of the budget battle, all other business before the Legislature came to a halt. This impacted several bills that the MDA was working on. However, that didn\u2019t mean nothing was being done. The MDA advocacy team used the time to meet with many legislators to educate them on our issues.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the virtual credit card bill (Senate Bill 105) passed the state Senate the beginning of March but has sat in the House Insurance Committee since that time due to the in-fighting between the two chambers. The chair of the committee, Rep. Mike Harris (R-Waterford Twp.) has been very helpful in positioning the bill for quick passage in the House when the logjam of bills breaks. Senate Bill 105 deals with the problem caused when insurance companies pay claims with virtual credit cards that charge a fee to the dentist in order to cash them. The bill requires insurance companies to offer one form of payment that pays the dentist 100% of the agreed-upon amount.<\/p>\n<p>Bills dealing with the problem of non-licensed dental specialists advertising as specialists were introduced in June (House Bills 4593 and 4594). The MDA, along with the Michigan Council on Dental Specialties and the Michigan Association of Orthodontists, have been busy meeting with all the members of the House Health Policy committee to garner support for these bills. A committee hearing on the bill was expected sometime in October.<\/p>\n<p>The MDA is also working with the Michigan Dental Hygienists\u2019 Association on implementation of the Dentist and Dental Hygiene Compact in Michigan. The bill to accomplish this is House Bill 4935, introduced in September. This bill would allow for greater portability of dental licenses between states \u2014 something that newer dentists have been asking for.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, the MDA would like to thank all the members who participate in the meetings the MDA has with state legislators. These meetings do have an impact and have greatly assisted in MDA advocacy efforts. Likewise, thank you to all the members who attend political fundraisers that are paid for by MDA Dental PAC. Attending these events is so important in developing relationships that can impact MDA priorities.<\/p>\n<h2>COMMUNITY WATER FLUORIDATION<\/h2>\n<h3>Fluoride Ban Proposed in St. Clair<\/h3>\n<p>St. Clair County continues to be in the news regarding a county-wide fluoride ban proposed by the county medical director.<\/p>\n<p>This type of ban has not been attempted in Michigan previously, as local water authorities and communities typically have control. Dentists in the area are urged to be diligent in providing factual information to patients and community leaders. Talking points and patient handouts are available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/advocacy\/access-to-care\/fluoride\/\">MDA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Watch for updates on this story.<\/p>\n<p>Compiled by MDA Legislative Staff. Questions? Contact <a href=\"mailto:bsullivan@michigandental.org\">Bill Sullivan<\/a>, vice president of advocacy and professional relations.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23458&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dentalroiassociates.com\/&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;25px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23470&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/www.omegadentalsupply.com\/&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;25px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21758&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; onclick=&#8221;custom_link&#8221; img_link_target=&#8221;_blank&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221; title=&#8221;\u2014 advertisement \u2014&#8221; link=&#8221;https:\/\/catalog.wccnet.edu\/current\/programs\/cfdac.php&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21622&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1745266420242{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>At senator\u2019s office \u2014<\/strong> This group of MDA dentists and dental students visited the office of Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21623&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1745266428706{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>At ADA Town House \u2014<\/strong> The ADA maintains a Washington office and meeting place, which the MDA delegation visited while in the District.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21621&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1745266436699{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Outside Capitol \u2014<\/strong> Politically active dental students and MDA dentists visited congressional offices during the two-day ADA event.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;21620&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1745266444362{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<strong>Washington visitors \u2014<\/strong> The United States Capitol building provided an impressive backdrop for these members of the MDA\u2019s Washington delegation.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1698696973333{margin-top: -40px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;background-color: #009ba7 !important;}&#8221; el_class=&#8221;white-text&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] MDA Journal Government Affairs Update [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=&#8221;yes&#8221;][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/2&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1756326235751{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}&#8221;] Legislature Largely Inactive in \u201925 Thus Far As this issue goes to press, the Michigan Legislature hadn\u2019t met since June and the 2026 budget still hadn\u2019t been passed after legislators missed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":21409,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-template-full-width.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","protect_children":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-21611","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-11-17 13:42:52","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21611","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21611"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21611\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24623,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21611\/revisions\/24623"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21409"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.michigandental.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21611"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}