<p>The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) would require insurance companies to cover the cost of medically necessary corrective surgeries for birth defects. These essential procedures are often considered cosmetic and are rarely covered by insurance even though they can impact a children's ability to eat, swallow, and breathe.</p>


Take Action on the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act

As a member of the American Student Dental Association, I urge you to support the bipartisan Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), H.R. 3277/S. 1677.

One in every 33 children in the United States is born with a congenital anomaly or birth defect that affects the way they look, develop or function. These anomalies often include severe oral and facial defects like cleft lip or palate, and maxillofacial deformities that can interfere with a child's ability to function. Specialized surgery is needed to correct these anomalies so children can breathe, speak and eat normally.  

Unfortunately, many insurance companies consider these procedures cosmetic, may only cover preliminary surgeries, or may deny follow-up corrective measures. This Act would require private group and individual health insurance plans to cover the medically necessary services resulting from congenital anomalies or birth defects.

The 23,000 dental student voices of ASDA urge you to support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your support.