House Committee Advances Bill to Protect Patients with Congenital Anomalies
On September 9, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce held a markup session for 38 pieces of legislation, including H.R. 1379, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA). The full committee voted to approve the legislation, which is now eligible for a vote by the full House of representatives.
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. AGD, along with 15 other allied health organizations, including AAOMS and ADA, sent a letter to the congressional leaders at the beginning of the year in support of ELSA. Additionally, AGD appreciates the many members who have advocated for the bill through the action center.
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. AGD, along with 15 other allied health organizations, including AAOMS and ADA, sent a letter to the congressional leaders at the beginning of the year in support of ELSA. Additionally, AGD appreciates the many members who have advocated for the bill through the action center.