Tampa St. Petersburg, FL, August 6, 2026 —

A recent column published in the Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) region is calling on Senator Ashley Moody to lend her support to the bipartisan Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).

This proposed legislation seeks to mandate that private health insurance plans provide coverage for medically necessary treatments for children born with congenital craniofacial conditions. Currently, these essential treatments are frequently denied by insurance providers who incorrectly categorize them as cosmetic procedures rather than reconstructive necessities.

The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, which has bipartisan backing, aims to rectify this issue by ensuring that families do not face financial barriers to accessing critical care for their children. The classification of these treatments as cosmetic by some insurance companies can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses for families, impacting their ability to provide necessary medical interventions for conditions affecting a child’s face, jaw, and skull.

Supporters of the ELSA argue that these conditions require complex surgical and therapeutic interventions to ensure proper function, health, and social well-being for affected children. The legislation is intended to provide clarity and consistency in insurance coverage, preventing arbitrary denials and ensuring that children receive the care they need to thrive.

The call for Senator Moody’s support highlights the ongoing efforts to advocate for the passage of the ELSA, emphasizing its potential to make a significant difference in the lives of children and families affected by craniofacial differences.



Story summarized from the original created by By Dan Gesek and Marcie Berger Young on www.tampabay.com, see more information here.

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