California Hands & Voices wrote a letter of support for AB 598, which would require health insurance plans and policies to cover hearing aids for children up to 18 years of age.
In California, the cost of a hearing aid is the most significant barrier preventing families from accessing hearing aids and hearing aid services. Only one in ten children in privately funded plans has coverage for hearing aids and hearing aid services, which costs a family up to $6,000 every three to five years. This is a heavy financial burden for working families. Some families are forced to forego hearing aids for their children or postpone services such as fittings and maintenance. Other families have to deplete their savings or seek out other charity assistance for a device that should be covered by their medical insurance. This is why 24 other states have already passed legislation requiring insurance companies to cover the expense of hearing aids for children.
If you have any questions or would like to write your letter of support please contact Rosabel and you can stay informed by visiting the Let Kids Hear Facebook page.