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Urge Congress to Support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
The Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, along with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and a number of other organizations, supports the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), which would ensure all group and individual health plans cover medically necessary services, including needed dental procedures such as orthodontic or prosthodontic support, as a result of a congenital anomaly. But we need your help to urge Congress to ensure it passes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 33 newborns in the U.S. suffers from a congenital abnormality, and severe dental anomalies are a common symptom of many craniofacial conditions. Most private health plans cover surgical treatment for these conditions, and their coverage is a requirement in many states. However, claims for oral or dental-related procedures, including orthodontia and dental implants, are often deemed cosmetic and denied. Patients often face significant out of pocket expenses as a result.
ELSA would alleviate this financial burden, ensuring access to necessary diagnosis and treatment for those with congenital craniofacial abnormalities.
With more than 260 bipartian cosponsors, ELSA is a much-needed solution for American patients. Please urge your representatives in Congress and the U.S. Senate to support the bill and sign on as coauthors if they haven’t already.
AAPD will advocate for ELSA during its Congressional visits on March 3-4 as part of our Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference. Help amplify their efforts to get ELSA passed by contacting Congress today.
To find contact information for your representatives, please visit
https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home.
For more information about ELSA, please visit https://www.nfed.org/get-
involved/advocate/ensuring-lasting-smiles-act/.