Senator Tammy Baldwin has joined forces with Iowa Republican Joni Ernst to reintroduce a bill.
The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act would close a coverage gap to ensure that health insurance plans cover medically necessary services related to a birth defect, including any serious dental and oral-related procedures that are necessary for the child’s health and overall function.
Senator Baldwin first introduced this legislation in 2018 after hearing the story of Aidan Abbott of Slinger, who was born with Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED), a rare congenital disease.
Aidan has needed intense dental and oral care and will need reconstructive surgeries throughout his life, among other services related to ED.
Despite having comprehensive health insurance, the Abbotts were denied coverage for Aidan’s dental work and forced to pay out of pocket for his treatments.
Although most health plans cover care for congenital anomalies, claims are routinely denied or delayed for any oral-related procedures due to an individual’s disorder.
Sen. Baldwin put it bluntly, “There is no reason that big insurance companies should be able to deny families like Aidan’s the care they need… I’m proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to put this care in reach.”
In total, thirteen Senators have co-sponsored the measure, six Democrats, four Republicans, and an Independent, while a companion legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Democrat Representative Kim Schrier of Washington and Republican Representative Neal Dunn of Florida.
