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 ELSA

Sample 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 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 Letter

Leave 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 Flyer

Advocate 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 Flyer

Patient 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 Studies 

Talking 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’ Questions

Typically, 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.