01 April 2021

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AAOMS advocates for congenital surgery insurance coverage legislation

Katherine E. Pfaff

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The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) has backed a bill, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, which was re-introduced March 16 by senators from Wisconsin and Iowa, and US Representatives from California and Georgia. The legislation, S 754/HR 1916, would require private and personal health insurance to cover services related to birth defects, including dental and other care. The bill would apply to medically needed treatments, not treatments for cosmetic reasons. 

Typically, insurance plans cover early treatment for congenital craniofacial anomalies; however, coverage of later corrective procedures may be denied or slowed awaiting approval, often due to low coverage limits for dental care. Treatments the bill would include are orthodontia, dental implants, prosthodontia, and adjunctive dental care. 

Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aaoms-advocates-for-legislation-to-provide-insurance-coverage-for-congenital-craniofacial-anomalies-301249607.html