S. 1677 · 119th Congress

Requires health plans to cover birth defect care for the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth or jaw

Official title: Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act1

Never got a floor vote

§1What it does

Why this matters: A plain-English description of the bill as it was voted on, written by us from the official summary and text.

Drafted by AI from the public sources cited. Each sentence links to its source.

This bill would require employer group health plans and health insurers to cover the diagnosis and treatment of birth defects, also called congenital anomalies, that mainly affect the appearance or function of the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth or jaw.2,3 Covered care would include medically necessary reconstructive procedures and related dental, orthodontic and prosthodontic care from birth until treatment is complete, even if the plan otherwise limits dental coverage, but not cosmetic surgery on normal body structures.3 Cost-sharing such as copays and deductibles for this care could be no more restrictive than for most other medical and surgical benefits, and the requirements would apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2026.3 The Department of Health and Human Services would also have to study and report by the end of 2027 on patients' access to providers for this care and any changes in costs.3

§2Status

StatusLatest action, March 19, 2026: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.1
IntroducedMay 8, 2025
SponsorSen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
Cosponsors54 cosponsors (17 Republican, 36 Democratic, 1 independent)
Official recordS. 1677 on Congress.gov

§3It never got a vote

Why this matters: This bill had wide support from both parties, but it never reached the House or Senate floor, so no member of Congress was ever recorded voting for or against it.

Latest action, March 19, 2026: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.1 How bills die without a vote.

2026 candidates who sponsored or cosponsored it (14)