Rep. Roybal-Allard Releases Statement on House Passage of Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act

WASHINGTON, April 5 -- Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-California, issued the following statement on April 4, 2022:

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"Today, I proudly voted to ensure health insurance coverage for needed treatment and procedures for individuals born with congenital anomalies or birth defects," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard on Monday. "The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act addresses and closes far too common coverage gaps, finally requiring health plans to cover medically necessary services related to a patient's anomaly or birth defect. This includes any serious dental and oral-related procedures that are necessary to maintaining health and overall function."

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) requires all private insurance groups and individual health care plans to cover medically necessary services resulting from congenital abnormalities. This coverage includes services and procedures for any missing or abnormal body part necessary to achieve normal body function, including teeth."

"I am proud to have voted to support the closure of loopholes that only benefit insurance companies by mandating they pay for these treatments and services," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.

"Many children are born with congenital anomalies each year. Too many are denied coverage despite the well-documented long-term harm their conditions contribute to when left untreated. With the passage of this legislation, insurance companies will be compelled to provide medically necessary treatment options that keep America's children healthy and smiling."