Bills · HR 3277
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3277Health care coverage and accessSurgery and anesthesia
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
INTRO MAY 8· LAST ACTION MAY 8
READING
12MIN
COSPONSORS
154BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill addresses a significant issue for families dealing with birth defects: the financial burden and inconsistency of health insurance coverage for complex and often long-term treatments. Many current insurance policies might classify reconstructive procedures or necessary dental work as 'cosmetic' or deny them based on existing limitations, leaving families to pay exorbitant costs out-of-pocket or forgo critical care.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a clear standard, ensuring that essential medical and reconstructive treatments for specific birth defects are covered. This means children and adults with these conditions could access the care needed to improve their health, speech, eating abilities, and overall quality of life without facing insurmountable financial barriers. If it doesn't pass, coverage for these conditions would remain fragmented and inconsistent, leaving many families struggling to afford necessary medical interventions.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires group and individual health insurance plans to cover outpatient and inpatient services for congenital anomalies or birth defects affecting the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw.
This ensures consistent and broad coverage for specific types of birth defects that often require extensive and long-term medical care.
PROVISION 02
Mandates that cost-sharing requirements (like deductibles, copays) for these services cannot be more restrictive than those for other medical and surgical benefits.
This prevents insurance plans from imposing higher financial barriers for care related to birth defects compared to other health issues.
PROVISION 03
Includes coverage for reconstructive services, medically necessary adjunctive dental/orthodontic/prosthodontic support, and treatment for secondary conditions related to the defect.
This ensures comprehensive care, addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals with these conditions, including long-term functional and appearance restoration.
PROVISION 04
Excludes coverage for purely cosmetic surgery not resulting from a congenital anomaly or birth defect.
This clarifies the scope of coverage, ensuring the bill focuses on medically necessary treatments rather than elective aesthetic procedures.
PROVISION 05
Requires health plans to provide notice to participants and beneficiaries about the coverage required by this section, starting January 1, 2026.
This ensures that affected individuals are aware of their rights and the coverage available to them under their health plans.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 154
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 65%
DEM 104 REP 50 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 8
Introduced in House
MAY 8
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3277
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 8, 2025
Last actionMay 8, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 8, 2025
House BillHR 3277Health care coverage and accessSurgery and anesthesia
Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
INTRODUCED MAY 8, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 8, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
12 min
COSPONSORS
154
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
