My name is Ella Crowe. I am 12 years old and in 6th grade. I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I have had 9 surgeries so far, and right now need braces to prepare for my next surgery. My family has had to fight many times for insurance to pay for those surgeries. Only 14 states have laws in place that require insurance to cover some medical needs for kids with cleft lip and palate. Nine of those 14 cover all medical needs, including orthodontics. One in 700 children are born with a cleft. Texas law does not require insurance companies to cover all needed medical expenses. I want to change the existing law to include coverage of medically necessary orthodontics for children with cleft lip and palate.

Update 2/28/19 - I met with my state representative's office and my senator's office today. Found out we missed the deadline to introduce new legislation this year, but am gathering support for the next session. I will keep this petition open until I reach my goal.