Cody Snell has paid $35,000 out of pocket – so far – to replace teeth he never had due to ectodermal dysplasia. At 33, he knows that amount will climb since he faces a lifetime of dental care costs. That is, unless the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act is passed. He is advocating for this legislation to assure that he, his affected daughter and all families with his condition get the insurance coverage they need for their medically necessary care.
ELSA Reintroduced in Congress
ELSA took another leap forward today! The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act was introduced in the new U.S. Congress with bi-partisan support in both the House and the Senate. 28 organizations are now supporting the bill which will provide insurance coverage for medical and dental care due to congenital anomalies such as ectodermal dysplasia.
Hazel Glows With Her New Teeth
Your five-year-old daughter wearing her first dentures can be surreal. Just ask Sarah Hamilton. The mom shares about how the teeth have impacted Hazel’s eating and speech and how they are having to battle their insurance to get benefits.
Breast Development and Ectodermal Dysplasias
Did you know that ectodermal dysplasia can affect breast development in both females and males? Learn how and why it’s related to sweat glands in this new library article. Find out about the various ways breasts can be affected, potential treatment options and how to discuss the issue if your child is affected.
Our Hero, Every Day
Finally getting a diagnosis of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia for their 13-month-old daughter was a relief for Sam and Neil Gansebom. But, they still had all of these emotions. Where would they turn? What should they do? Read about how they are coping and what they are doing.
You Have the Chance to Change History
Every day, the NFED staff receives calls, emails and social media messages about the terrible struggles families have getting coverage for their dental care. Insurance coverage issues have plagued our community for decades. Raise your voice with us to take action. We need just one more Representative to cosponsor and introduce a Bill. We have four different opportunities for you to advocate.
Giraffes to Genes: Alexander’s Story
Alex’s story started out just like any other story. The perfect little baby who fed well, was always normal on the growth charts and in general was a happy baby! We were also happy that he had the perfect little shaped head to be bald. You see, we did not know at the time that his extended baldness had anything to do with a rare genetic disorder, so we always joked it was a good thing his little baby head was shaped so perfectly.
Returning to Capitol Hill
We’re going back! To Capitol Hill for our 2nd Ectodermal Dysplasias Advocacy Day. We invite the ectodermal dysplasias community to join us July 17-18 in Washington D.C. Our goal is to ask Congress to support a bill (to be announced soon) that will provide insurance benefits for dental care of ectodermal dysplasias.