In a surprise about-face, the committee that was scheduled to include Senate Bill 160, the dangerous dental bill, into another bill to fast track it through committee, announced it would be refraining from doing so at today's hearing. Ohio House Health Provider Services Committee today indicated they are “putting off” including the dental amendment in Senate Bill 40. While the committee could take it up again as early as next week, this is still a testament to the power of union activism.
“This underscores the power of our membership to make legislators think twice about controversial bills,” said OCSEA President Chris Mabe. “When we work together, we are a force to be reckoned with. But we must keep up the pressure to stop this bill,” he said. "I want to thank all the activists who made the calls. This is how battles are won: one small victory at a time."
Mabe also sent a letter to House Minority Leader Russo and Speaker of the House Stephens encouraging them to reconsider the amendment. In it he said:
“As the leader of the largest state employee’s union, I am deeply committed to both the physical well-being and financial security of our members. This potential legislation would have harmful effects on our members and on all Ohioans, impacting both their health and financial stability. The dental bill, in its current form, prioritizes the interests of the dental lobby and industry over patient care and the economic welfare of Ohio residents, including members of our union, OCSEA.”
“While we’re encouraged by this development, we will stand vigilant knowing that this issue could resurface in the near future,” said Mabe. OCSEA activists have been diligently working against this bill and others like it for 12 years.
If passed, the bill would prevent dental insurance providers, like Delta Dental, from negotiating lower fees for non-covered services for their members, including OCSEA union members. Basically, it takes away the bargaining power that comes with having a benefits provider and gives dentists the ability to charge ANY AMOUNT of money they want for non-covered services.