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Patient Testifies on Rare Jaw Tumor, Urges Awareness Day and Insurance Clarity
Summary
Emily Hosler described her diagnosis and multiple surgeries for ameloblastoma, explained gaps between medical and dental insurance for reconstruction and implants, and urged the committee to support Senate Bill 27 to raise awareness and improve care navigation.
Emily Hosler, a Cincinnati resident diagnosed with ameloblastoma, testified to the House Health Committee about her diagnosis, treatment and complications and urged passage of Senate Bill 27 to establish an awareness day for this rare jaw tumor.
Hosler described finding a 3.5‑centimeter lesion on dental X‑ray, multiple surgeries including jaw reconstruction and bone graft failures complicated by infection, and the financial strain of repeated procedures. She noted that dental insurance often treats reconstruction implants as cosmetic and therefore does not cover them, leaving patients with substantial out‑of‑pocket costs. Hosler said awareness could help patients, dentists and insurers better coordinate care and urged the committee to support a day to elevate information and resources.
Committee members asked practical questions about detection, screening frequency and insurance appeals; witnesses and members discussed appeals processes and regulatory differences between medical and dental coverage. The committee concluded the second hearing on SB27 without taking a vote.
