Coalition of Dental and Medical Groups Push for Consideration of Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
AGD, along with 28 other allied health organizations, including AAOMS and ADA, sent a letter to the leaders of the House Education & Labor Committee on October 15, voicing support for H.R.1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).
The letter was sent following the legislation's approval by the House Energy & Commerce Committee on September 9. The letter urges the Education & Labor Committee, which also has jurisdiction over the bill, to advance the legislation to the floor for a full vote in the House.
If enacted into law, H.R.1379 (ELSA) would require health insurers, including ERISA plans, to cover medically necessary services, including dental treatment, for patients with congenital anomalies. 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. Despite this, health plans often deny claims and appeals for oral or dental-related procedures.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD supports the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (H.R.1379), as it is critical for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies to receive necessary reconstructive dental care related to their disorder. Additionally, AGD appreciates the many members who have advocated for the bill through the action center.
The letter was sent following the legislation's approval by the House Energy & Commerce Committee on September 9. The letter urges the Education & Labor Committee, which also has jurisdiction over the bill, to advance the legislation to the floor for a full vote in the House.
If enacted into law, H.R.1379 (ELSA) would require health insurers, including ERISA plans, to cover medically necessary services, including dental treatment, for patients with congenital anomalies. 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. Despite this, health plans often deny claims and appeals for oral or dental-related procedures.
Impact on General Dentistry: AGD supports the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (H.R.1379), as it is critical for patients with congenital craniofacial anomalies to receive necessary reconstructive dental care related to their disorder. Additionally, AGD appreciates the many members who have advocated for the bill through the action center.