[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 35 (Tuesday, February 26, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2111]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         ENSURE HEALTH PLANS COVER MEDICALLY NECESSARY SERVICES

  (Mr. RIGGLEMAN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RIGGLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak for Kannon Koser, a 
constituent and friend of mine who is with his family in the gallery 
this afternoon.
  Mr. Speaker, 3-year-old Kannon is one of 4 percent of children in the 
United States who is born with a congenital anomaly--in his case, 
hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia.
  Most health plans provide coverage for congenital anomalies, and many 
States require insurers to provide coverage of any health services 
related to congenital anomalies.
  Despite this, health plans systematically and routinely deny claims 
and appeals for any oral or dental related procedures under the 
pretense that such service is merely cosmetic.
  That is why Representative Collin Peterson and I have joined together 
to introduce the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, a bipartisan bill that 
would directly address this issue and ensure that we don't have to tell 
children like Kannon that their health condition isn't valued by 
insurance companies.

  As the original sponsor on the Republican side, I am proud to put my 
name on this bill and ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to 
support it.
  ELSA would ensure all health plans cover medically necessary 
services, including reconstructive surgeries that are a result of 
congenital anomalies or birth defects.
  If enacted, this life-changing bill will allow the Koser family the 
opportunity to save for Kannon's college rather than spend money on 
reconstructive surgery.
  Commonsense reforms like this will help children like Kannon grow up 
healthier and have a better quality of life.
  Hi, Kannon. We will see you later, Buddy.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Members are reminded to refrain from 
referencing occupants of the gallery.

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