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Alaska Legislature Passes Resolution Urging Congress to Act on the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
JUNEAU, AK – Today, the Alaska State Legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 16, sponsored by Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, a resolution urging Congress to advance the federal Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, a federal policy proposal aimed at improving access to medically necessary treatments for individuals born with congenital anomalies, such as Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasias.
Senator Elvi Gray-Jackson introduced SJR 16 after being brought to her attention by a 14-year-old constituent, Emily Brubaker, whose advocacy highlighted the need for reforms to ensure comprehensive insurance coverage for children with congenital conditions.
The resolution highlights the challenges that many families encounter in accessing insurance coverage for essential medical and dental procedures. While these treatments are often necessary for health, development, and quality of life, current insurance practices frequently exclude or limit coverage, placing an undue financial burden on families in Alaska and across the nation.
“The passage of SJR16 is a powerful step forward for Alaska, and we’re especially grateful to Emily Brubaker and her family, whose leadership and initiative brought this important resolution to the forefront. Emily’s commitment ensured that this issue received the attention it deserves,” said Sen. Gray-Jackson.
If enacted by Congress, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act would require private health insurance plans to cover medically necessary treatments, including surgeries, therapies, and long-term care, without imposing annual or lifetime coverage limits.
“I commend the Brubaker family and young Emily Brubaker, whose unwavering advocacy is what truly moved this resolution to a successful conclusion. Their courage to close a loophole that denied access to essential medical care is inspiring,” said Representative Alyse Galvin, NA-Anchorage, sponsor of the House companion resolution.
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