MEASURE TO INCREASE ACCESS TO HEARING AIDS ADVANCES

Senator Valentino’s bill approved by Insurance and Financial Services Committee

AUGUSTA – Last week, the Insurance and Financial Services Committee voted 11-1 to support Democratic Senator Linda Valentino’s bill to require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for young adults.

“The ability to hear is a critical part of our overall wellbeing,” said Senator Valentino of Saco. “My bill will stop insurance companies from denying care to the people who need it.”

The measure requires insurance companies to cover the costs of hearing aids for people up to age 26. Maine law currently requires insurance companies to pay for hearing aids for children up to the age of 18.

The bill, LD 523, “An Act To Require Health Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids for Adults,” will now be sent to the Senate for a vote.