Last week, the ACS joined a letter of support for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles (ELSA) Act (S. 754/H.R. 1916). Introduced by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA), the bipartisan and bicameral legislation would address issues that prevent access to necessary diagnosis and treatment for patients with congenial craniofacial anomalies such as such as cleft lip and palate, skeletal and maxillofacial abnormalities, facial paralysis, microtia, hypodontia and craniosynostosis. ELSA would require all private group and individual health plans to cover medically necessary services that repair or restore a patient's anomaly.  For further information contact Kristin McDonald, ACS Manager of Legislative and Political Affairs, at kmcdonald@facs.org.

Additionally, the New York Chapter ACS has also provided support for legislation that is reflective of the national bill.  It's called Carter's Law. We encourage all members to contact their legislators to advance this important bill!