On April 21, the Senate passed a coronavirus relief bill aimed at replenishing funds for Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, with $370 billion proposed to contribute to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and emergency EIDL grants. Sixty billion dollars in loan funding is marked for smaller lenders in rural areas that were unable to provide funds in the original CARES Act. The ADA, IDA, and many other state dental associations previously teamed up to write a letter to congressional leaders requesting that additional funding go toward SBA loans after the announcement that new applications would no longer be accepted on April 16. The House is expected to vote on the bill later this week. IDA members who were unable to secure PPP funds initially are encouraged to reach out to an SBA-approved bank as soon as possible if they would like to be considered for the additional funding. 

The Iowa Dental Board (IDB) released updated information on various topics of concern for dentists.

PPE Shortage Order

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) PPE Shortage Order implemented on April 9 requires all healthcare providers, including dentists, to decrease demand for PPE. The Order also allows for legal immunity for practitioners who utilize PPE as outlined in the Order. The IDPH has additional resources regarding PPE available on their website.

Infection Control

Many dental offices have had questions regarding infection control standards.The CDC Interim Guidance for Dental Offices recommends obtaining the highest level of PPE possible, including respirator masks and full-face shields. These new guidelines from the CDC are not mandated. Currently, the IDB recommends using the highest level of PPE possible going forward. Dentists may provide emergency care so long as they abide by the CDC 2003 Infection Control Guidance and exercise their best professional judgement.

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) recently released letters, including one related to extending prior authorizations approved for procedures that were delayed or cancelled due to COVID-19 and set to expire in March, April, or May 2020. These will be extended for an additional 90 days from the date of expiration. In addition, IME has filed waivers with CMS to ensure continuous coverage for recipients during this time. To assist IME-approved providers, FAQs related to COVID-19 are available on the DHS website.

Once again, McFadden Insurance Services is pleased to announce that Part-Time Status will be available to insureds who have been affected by COVID-19. Insureds working a total of 20 hours or less per week are encouraged to apply now. This will keep your Professional Liability Coverage in force so you can continue to provide treatment for dental emergencies while also extending some premium relief.

McFadden Insurance Services recently mailed this communication, along with the necessary Part-Time Applications, to eligible insureds. Learn more about eligibility and requirements on the  IDA website.

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Governor Reynolds continues to conduct daily press conferences at 11:00 AM. Access the press conferences via  Facebook and on many local news channels.

The governor issues daily press releases regarding the status of COVID-19's effect on Iowans.  Click here to access the most recent press release.