Rep. Dunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for Birth Defect Treatments
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been sent to three different House committees for review. It is actively moving forward as it awaits further study by these groups. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
This bill has strong support from both parties and addresses a specific gap in healthcare, but it must still pass through three different House committees.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
Young adults with congenital conditions who are on student health plans or transitioning off their parents' insurance would benefit from a permanent federal mandate ensuring their birth defect treatments remain covered. Many people with conditions like cleft lip or craniofacial differences need follow-up surgeries well into adulthood.
“ongoing or subsequent treatment required to maintain function or approximate a normal appearance”
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
A bill reintroduced in Congress on May 8 would require private health plans to cover medically necessary services for individuals born with congenital anomalies. Known as ELSA, it ensures coverage for inpatient care, reconstructive procedures, and dental or orthodontic support.
Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) is leading the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), which mandates health insurance coverage for medical necessities related to birth defects of the eyes, ears, teeth, and jaw. The bill aims to stop insurers from labeling these essential treatments as 'cosmetic.'
Reintroduced by a bipartisan group including Sens. Tammy Baldwin and Joni Ernst, ELSA addresses a gap where families face denied claims for oral reconstructive treatments. The bill clarifies that dental and prosthodontic care must be covered when deemed medically necessary by a physician.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.