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The Florida Dental Association's Official Electronic Newsletter
Monday, Dec. 5, 2005
In This Issue:
- Medicaid Reform Faces Possible Roadblocks
- Membership Dues Statements in Mail
- Biennium Coming to Close – Purchase Defibrillators Now!
- New Biennium Offers CE Credit for Practice-management Courses
- Ready, Set – Give Kids A Smile!
News Bites Archives
Medicaid Reform Faces Possible Roadblocks
In late November, the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Florida Pediatric Society and five Florida families filed a class action lawsuit against the heads of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), and the Department of Health (DOH).
The suit demands a reform of Florida’s Medicaid system, and alleges that the three departments have violated federal law by failing to provide Medicaid patients a level of care equal to that of private insurance patients. Similar lawsuits have prevailed in other states, including Illinois and Oklahoma.
Though the plaintiffs seek no monetary damages, the lawsuit demands an increase in provider reimbursement rates to increase participation; and requires the agencies to offer programs to help families make doctors’ appointments and navigate health-care bureaucracy.
AHCA concurs that Florida’s current Medicaid system needs revamping, but believes that Gov. Bush’s plans to transition Medicaid to a managed-care model and offer participating providers incentives for early diagnosis and treatment will increase access to care.
However, some feel that moving to a managed-care model won’t solve the basic problem Medicaid providers face – significantly lower reimbursement rates for Medicaid patients than private insurance patients.
The Governor recently received federal permission to overhaul Medicaid in Florida and will address the ways and means during the special legislative session beginning today.
Membership Dues Statements in Mail
FDA staff mailed membership dues statements late last month. If you haven't received yours by the end of this week, please contact the FDA membership department at (800) 877-9922, Ext. 110.
Biennium Coming to Close – Purchase Defibrillators Now!
The law requiring Florida dentists to purchase an automatic electronic/external defibrillator soon will be in effect. The law takes effect Feb. 28, 2006, which is the last day of the current biennium.
After the law passed the Florida Legislature in June 2003, the FDA House of Delegates reviewed it and referred it to the Council on Financial Affairs (CFA) for further study and research.
On behalf of FDA members, the CFA negotiated special rates with some AED manufacturers. The specially discounted rates are for FDA members only.
New Biennium Offers CE Credit for Practice-management Courses
During the 2005 legislative session, the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD) was authorized to accept up to three hours of credit biennially for practice-management courses that address: principles of ethical practice-management, substance abuse, effective communication with patients, time-management and burnout-prevention instruction.
The new biennium begins March 1, 2006.
Dentists who have questions about whether the BOD will accept a particular course during the new biennium should visit the BOD Web site (http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/dentistry/ ), or call (850) 245-4474.
Ready, Set – Give Kids A Smile!
Feb. 1 will mark the beginning of National Childrens’ Dental Health Month, during which the FDA will commemorate the “Give Kids a Smile” program.
Give Kids a Smile is recognized during Children’s Dental Health Month, a national event celebrated annually in February to teach children about good dental health. Give Kids a Smile is a dental-care access day aimed at enhancing the oral health of thousands of needy children.
In Florida, many FDA members already have signed on to screen underserved patients during January and February and treat them in February.
This year, one of the FDA’s goals is to unify participation and publicity for this important event.
Dentists interested in participating should contact the FDA’s Dental Health Program Specialist, Mary Lyons. She can be reached at (800) 877-9922, Ext. 180, or mlyons@floridadental.org.
Happy Holidays!
The FDA staff wishes all members and their families a happy, prosperous holiday season!