East Harlem Dental Plaza is pleased to announce that the PPACA will have a positive effect on dental benefits, especially with respect to children. Over the stages of implementation, an estimated three million children aged 17 and younger will acquire dentistry benefits by the year 2018. This figure represents a five percent increase of coverage as compared to children with benefits currently, according to a report by the American Dental Association released October 2012.
The PPACA will also impact NYC dentists with clients receiving Medicaid benefits, as the law serves to expand coverage under that agency. Patients with incomes below 133 percent of the Federal Poverty Level will gain access to 100 percent coverage initially, falling to 90 percent over time. In 2012, the Annual Federal Poverty Guidelines indicate a figure of $30,657 is that level for household of four people. A general dentist practice in New York must be aware of the bearing that this provision will have on those patients under Medicaid coverage.
Besides being health care providers, NYC dentists like East Harlem Dental Plaza will be affected by the PPACA because they are small business employers. The law does not require employers with less than 50 employees to provide health insurance coverage. Those small businesses who pay 50 percent or more towards an employee’s health insurance premiums may qualify for a tax benefit as a result. This is basically an incentive for small businesses, including general dentist practices, to contribute a portion of their employees’ health coverage.
East Harlem Dental Park is a practice providing general and cosmetic dentistry services for clients residing throughout the NYC buroughs.
