American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Urge Congress to require health insurers to cover dental treatment for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies
  • The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) would correct inequities in health insurance coverage for the treatment of patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies. The bill was reintroduced on May 8 by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) as well as by U.S. Reps. Neal Dunn, MD (R-Fla.) and Kim Schrier, MD (D-Wash.).
  • Most health plans provide coverage for the surgical treatment of congenital anomalies, and many states require insurers to provide coverage of any health services related to congenital anomalies or birth defects.
  • Despite this, health plans often deny claims and appeals for oral- or dental-related procedures – such as orthodontia and implants – claiming these services are cosmetic or covered by dental plans. These procedures are often crucial to the overall success of treatment.
  • ELSA would require health insurers, including ERISA plans, to cover medically necessary services – including dental treatment – for patients with congenital anomalies of the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth or jaw.
  • ELSA last passed the House in 2022 but stalled in the Senate over concerns about the bill’s scope. Since then, AAOMS has been working with a coalition of provider and patient advocacy organizations to incorporate congressional feedback and strengthen ELSA’s language in preparation for reintroduction.
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        • Sponsors of H.R. 3277 (U.S.-2025-2026 Regular Session (119th))
          • Sponsors of S. 1677 (U.S.-2025-2026 Regular Session (119th))
            • Co-sponsors of H.R. 3277 (U.S.-2025-2026 Regular Session (119th))
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                    • Officials who did not sponsor/co-sponsor H.R. 3277 (U.S.-2025-2026 Regular Session (119th))
                      • Officials who did not sponsor/co-sponsor S. 1677 (U.S.-2025-2026 Regular Session (119th))
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