LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today introduced a plan that will make hearing aids more affordable and accessible to the children who need them the most.
"Too many of our children who need hearing aids are going without them because their families can't afford them," Dean said. "These are devices that cost several hundred to thousands of dollars – they are not easy to pay for. By requiring health insurance companies to help cover the cost of hearing aids and other treatments, we can help make sure all of our children reach their full potential."
Currently, most health insurance companies can deny coverage for hearing aids for children under the age of 18, which leaves families with children who are hard of hearing to bear the high costs of treatment and assistive hearing devices on their own.
Under Dean's plan, health insurance companies will be required to provide coverage for hearing aids, cochlear implants and related treatments for anyone under 18 years of age with a treatable hearing loss.
"Proper hearing is critical for a child's learning, speech development and communication skills," Dean said. "If children can't hear their teacher, they may be too embarrassed to speak up, and they will sit quietly while they miss an important lesson. This plan will look out for our children by helping more kids receive the care they need to ensure they have the chance to earn a good education."