In a major victory for oral health today, the House Energy and Commerce Committee agreed to an amendment offered by Chairman Waxman that would add an oral health expert to any health benefits advisory committee.  The amendment, which was originally championed by Representatives Diana DeGette of Colorado, John Sarbanes of Maryland and Jerry McNerney of California, was considered under an unusual procedural process.  It was one of more than fifty amendments that the Committee did not get an opportunity to consider prior to the August adjournment.  As the clock ran out, the Committee decided to take a final vote on the bill and report it to the Rules Committee, which is charged with finalizing the bill before it is sent to the House Floor for a vote.  Chairman Waxman promised Members that he would consider the remainder of the amendments when Congress returned to session this month.  Behind closed doors, Republicans and Democrats reviewed all of the offered amendments and agreed on those that would be supported by both parties.  The oral health expertise amendment was one of seven that the Chairman included in his "mark," indicating his full support for the measure.  When the Committee completes its meeting today, the amendment will be sent to the Rules Committee, where it will be included in the underlying bill.
 
Meanwhile, through a similar process in the Senate Finance Committee, Chairman Baucus yesterday revealed his revised "mark," which included an amendment offered by Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan to allow dental standalone plans to be offered in the health insurance exchange.
 
Please visit CDHP's website to view the House Energy and Commerce Chairman's Mark and the Senate Finance Committee's Chairman's Mark.