With about six weeks left in the 117th session of Congress, the mood on Capitol Hill feels hopeful and positive for getting the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) passed! Team ELSA participated in our third virtual Advocacy Day this year. Find out where things stand on the bill and how you can help.
How Powerful Storytelling Could Make ELSA a Law
We have the most amazing Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) advocates! Our contacts on Capitol Hill tell us that the reason the bill has garnered incredible support in a short amount of time is because of our grassroots efforts. It’s because families affected by congenital anomalies bravely share their personal stories with Congress. That’s exactly what happened again on Tuesday, June 21 when 314 advocates met with 49 U.S. Senate offices for the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) Virtual Advocacy Day with the Senate.
U.S. House of Representatives Votes YES on the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
April 4th was an extraordinary day for families affected by ectodermal dysplasias and congenital anomalies!
You could almost hear the cries of victory and feel the joy of our advocates, families and staff who watched the live stream of the House of Representatives where they announced that ELSA had passed. Read about the exciting vote and what’s next for the bill in the U.S. Senate.
Brave ELSA Advocates Pour Out Their Hearts to Legislators
Three hundred brave advocates from 46 states shared their heartbreaking stories with U.S. legislators at this year’s Virtual Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill. They talked about the numerous surgeries and ongoing treatments they or their child has needed and how insurance companies won’t pay for it. With the House voting on April 4 for ELSA, find out what you can do to help.
Big News in the House for ELSA
Families affected by congenital anomalies are closer to getting health insurance benefits for the medical and health treatment they need. Our bill to mandate such payments took a big leap in the U.S. House of Representatives. Find out what the consensus calendar means and how you can help pass the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act.
Alaskan Advocates Get 100% Support for ELSA from Their Legislators
Two Alaskan families have helped achieve an amazing feat. The Brubakers and Wentzels have every legislator in their state co-sponsoring the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA)! This month, we shine our volunteer spotlight on these Alaskans to celebrate their accomplishments and learn more about how they did it.
Now’s the Time to Contact Congress (and Make It Count)
We know that insurance coverage is unfair, but ELSA advocates must contact Congress to tell them. Take a step for smiles and contact your legislators.
Two-Thirds of the House Support ELSA
The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act has hit a major milestone in record time! Find out what’s next for the bill and a major obstacle that could prevent it from passing.