Dental Groups Press Congress on Two Bills Expanding Medically Necessary Dental Coverage

Edited by Dentaltown staff

The American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Organized Dental Coalition are urging Congress to advance two pending bills that would expand insurance coverage for medically necessary dental care, according to announcements the AAE posted Aug. 27.

The first measure, the Ensuring Kids Have Access to Medically Necessary Dental Care Act, would prohibit lifetime and annual dollar limits on dental benefits under the Children’s Health Insurance Program and require dental-only wraparound coverage for certain children whose health plans provide inadequate dental benefits. Companion versions, S. 5088 and H.R. 9833, were introduced July 22 and would amend Title XXI of the Social Security Act.

Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., sponsors the Senate bill, which was referred to the Committee on Finance. Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Calif., sponsors the House version, which carries 13 cosponsors and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The AAE said annual and lifetime caps can leave children without coverage in the middle of treatment, leading families to delay care, pay out of pocket, or forgo treatment.

Separately, the AAE joined the Organized Dental Coalition and more than 70 national health professional and patient advocacy organizations in urging action on the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, S. 1677 and H.R. 3277, introduced May 8, 2025. ELSA would require private group and individual health plans to cover medically necessary services that improve, repair, or restore normal function for patients with qualifying congenital anomalies, among them cleft lip and palate, ectodermal dysplasia, and hypodontia. Covered care would include dental implants, prosthodontic treatment, orthodontics, and other restorative procedures. The AAE said the legislation is tailored to functional reconstructive care and does not require coverage of procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., sponsors ELSA in the Senate, where it drew 12 cosponsors and was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., sponsors the House version, which drew 22 cosponsors and was referred to the committees on Energy and Commerce, Education and the Workforce, and Ways and Means. The AAE also credited Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Wash., as champions of the bill.

Neither measure has become law. Both remain in committee.

Sources:
American Association of Endodontists, “AAE Supports Legislation to Strengthen Children’s Dental Coverage Through CHIP,” Aug. 27, 2026: aae.org/specialty/aae-supports-legislation-chip
U.S. Government Publishing Office, S. 5088 introduced Senate text, July 22, 2026: govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119s5088is
U.S. Government Publishing Office, H.R. 9833 introduced House text, July 22, 2026: govinfo.gov/app/details/BILLS-119hr9833ih
American Association of Endodontists, “AAE Joins Coalition Urging Congressional Action on the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act,” Aug. 27, 2026: aae.org/specialty/aae-joins-coalition-elsa
Congress.gov, S. 1677, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act: congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1677
Congress.gov, H.R. 3277, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act: congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3277