AGD has signed on as a supporting organization of H.R. 3277 / S. 1677, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA Act). This bill was introduced by Representatives Neal Dunn (R-FL-02) and Kim Schrier (D-WA-08) in the House of Representatives and Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) in the Senate. The legislation would expand health insurance coverage to include inpatient and outpatient services for diagnosing and treating congenital anomalies or birth defects that primarily affect the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw. Coverage includes reconstructive treatments, dental and orthodontic support from birth through treatment completion, and follow-up care, with no cost-sharing more restrictive than other medical benefits. Cosmetic surgery not resulting from a medical diagnosis of a congenital anomaly is excluded. The law requires group health plans and insurers to provide notice to participants by January 1, 2026, and mandates a study by the Secretary of Health and Human Services by December 31, 2027, evaluating provider network adequacy and changes in patient out-of-pocket costs and procedure expenses.