Disparities in Insurance Coverage of Cleft Lip and Palate: A Comparative Analysis of State Healthcare Policies and Legal Frameworks

Abstract

Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P) is a prevalent congenital anomaly worldwide that poses significant health challenges. Currently, the United States lacks a unified approach to CL/P coverage. This article explores the U.S. medical-legal framework surrounding CL/P, identified via the PubMed, Google Scholar, Lexis, and Westlaw databases. It examines the Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and state-level variations in CL/P coverage. The findings suggest a need for legal reform to ensure equitable access for patients with CL/P across the United States.