SEND A MESSAGE: DEMAND HEARING AID COVERAGE FOR ALL PENNSYLVANIANS

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1.1 million Pennsylvanians – 8.6% of the PA population – cope with hearing loss. Additionally, approximately 15% of American adults report some difficulty hearing. Among adults aged 70 and older who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than 30% have ever used them. Hearing aids range in costs of $1,000 - $4,000 – with an average cost of $2,300. However, hearing aids are currently only required to be covered for Medicaid recipients under age 21, leaving many Pennsylvanians in need to pay exorbitant out-of-pocket costs to access hearing assistance. The inability to access hearing aids has negative health impacts for seniors and can affect employment opportunities for all residents who remain in need of these devices.

House Bill 1670, currently awaiting a vote by the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee, seeks to require private insurance companies in Pennsylvania to cover costs of hearing aids. Please join me in this effort to improve the health and wellness of Pennsylvanians suffering from hearing loss by mitigating the exorbitant cost of hearing aids, especially among the many older Pennsylvanians living on a fixed income.