The Alaska State Legislature has passed a resolution urging the United States Congress to support the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, which aims to provide individuals born with congenital anomalies, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, with access to necessary medical treatments throughout their lives. The Act seeks to mandate that private health insurance plans cover all medically necessary treatments, including surgeries and therapies, without imposing lifetime or annual limits on coverage. This is particularly important as many families face financial hardships due to high medical costs and inadequate insurance coverage for these conditions.

The resolution highlights the story of Emily Brubaker, a young Alaskan who has a rare congenital anomaly and has advocated for the Act since she was six years old. Her family's struggle with the potential costs of her dental care, estimated to exceed $100,000, underscores the need for comprehensive health care access for individuals with congenital anomalies. The Alaska Legislature calls on its congressional delegation to support the passage of the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act and to advocate for equitable health care access for all individuals.