We have provided some materials and resources to help you prepare for meeting with your legislators.
Information about ELSA
The following documents summarize information about the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA).
Download ELSA Issue Brief Download ELSA Section by Section Summary Download ELSA FAQ Download Letter from Organizations Supporting ELSASample Letters to Send to Legislators
Review each of these sample letters to see how four different families personalized their letter and shared their stories. We have tips on how to tell your advocacy story and practice it for success.
We also have sample letters for people to use if they have extended family members or friends who are affected by ectodermal dysplasias.
Download Advocacy Template LetterLeave Behind Materials
In addition to print copies of your personal letter, we recommend that you download and print the following materials to leave with your legislator. They provide more information about ectodermal dysplasias and their challenges and ELSA.
Teeth Are Not Just Cosmetic Flyer
This flyer addresses the main reason that insurance companies give when denying benefits: that teeth are cosmetic.
Download Teeth Are Not Cosmetic FlyerAdvocate for Super Smiles Flyer
This fact sheet outlines key facts about ectodermal dysplasias, the challenge of insurance companies denying benefits and our solution.
Download Advocate for Super Smiles FlyerPatient Case Studies
This sheet features stories and photos from six families who have congenital anomalies, including ectodermal dysplasias. It depicts their dental journeys and challenges in getting insurance benefits to pay for the medically necessary care.
Download Patient Case StudiesTalking Points
After you share your story and information about the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, you may get questions or comments about why a senator or representative may want to support the legislation. We compiled a list of questions or common remarks our advocates have heard and how you can respond to them.
How to Respond to Legislators’ QuestionsTypically, you will meet with your legislators or member of their staff in their office, one-on-one. But, you may get the opportunity to testify before a committee and share your story. You can get an idea of what to say by watching this video of Karl Nelsen testifying before the Commerce and Regulatory Reform Committee of the Minnesota House of Representatives about a state mandate. Watch this video to see how Karl explains ectodermal dysplasias and the challenges families face in not having their dental care covered by insurance benefits.
Support for Advocates
Our team is always happy to answer advocacy questions and help you work through the process of reaching out, meeting and following up with legislators about ELSA.
The ELSA Advocates Facebook Group is a great way to connect with fellow advocates, ask questions and share successes or challenges. Our staff moderates the group and shares advocacy updates.
Join the ConversationOur state leads are another great line of support for advocacy questions specific to your legislators. If you would like to be a state lead or want to contact the lead in your state, email Becky Abbott, co-chair of our Family-Driven Advocacy Committee.