DALLAS, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The National Association of Dental Plans (NADP) reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to dental care at its annual Advocacy in Action (AIA) event, held April 2-3 in Washington, D.C. The event featured over 80 meetings with U.S. lawmakers, where 40 NADP members from across the country advocated for key issues affecting the dental benefits industry and the millions of Americans who rely on it.
During the two-day event, NADP members focused on several crucial issues aimed at enhancing dental coverage and improving oral health for underserved populations. The key priorities discussed included:
Support for the Increasing Access to Dental Insurance Act (H.R. 1397 / S. 1164) – Also known as the independent purchase bill, this legislation would allow consumers to purchase standalone dental insurance directly through Healthcare.gov, without needing to buy medical coverage. This change would help expand dental coverage to several groups:
Employees of small businesses that offer medical coverage but not dental benefits.
19 million Americans aged 65 and older who do not have dental coverage.
9 million veterans without dental insurance.
Medicaid beneficiaries in states that do not provide adult dental coverage.
Preserving Adult Dental Coverage in Medicaid – NADP members also advocated for the continuation of adult dental benefits within Medicaid, which are at risk of being reduced. These benefits are essential in addressing oral health disparities for low-income adults.
Support for Advanced Premium Tax Credits (APTCs) – APTCs make health and dental insurance more affordable for individuals and families. NADP members called for the continued availability of these tax credits to ensure broader access to coverage.
“NADP’s participation on Capitol Hill during Advocacy in Action highlights the importance of representing the dental benefits industry and amplifying its voice in policy discussions,” said Donna Hunter, Board Chair of NADP and United Concordia Dental. “These priorities reflect our mission to ensure affordable and equitable access to oral health for all Americans.”
NADP’s Advocacy in Action serves as a critical platform for its members to directly engage with lawmakers about the importance of dental benefits in overall health care policy.
“NADP stands as the voice of the dental benefits industry, committed to improving access to quality, affordable dental care for all,” said Mike Adelberg, Executive Director of NADP. “We commend our members for their active involvement in the democratic process through this event and their advocacy efforts.”
