Bill Supporting Coverage of Dental Care for Those With Birth Defects Passes the House

On April 4, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act was passed by the House of Representatives and is now awaiting review by the Senate. The bill requires that private and individual healthcare insurers cover dental treatment for those born with congenital anomalies, including oral and facial defects, which frequently impact the ability to speak, chew, and breathe. The American Dental Association (ADA) lobbied behind the bill’s passage. The ADA asserts that treatment of birth defects in the craniofacial area frequently improves function and quality of life for those affected, but many insurance companies deem these procedures cosmetic and, thus, do not cover them. Click here to read more.