Hearing aids usually cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, creating a fiscal barrier for individuals with hearing loss to experience what so many take advantage of. In Pennsylvania, these necessary pieces of equipment are only required to be covered for Medicaid recipients under the age of 21, translating to millions of Pennsylvanians having to learn to grin and bear with hearing loss when it is not covered by an individual’s health insurance policy. A person should not be forced to pay an out-of-pocket expense just to be able to hear again. To address these high out-of-pocket costs and help Pennsylvanians who struggle with hearing loss, we will be introducing a legislative package that would require health insurance policies to provide coverage for hearing aids, as well as urge Congress to expand Medicare coverage to include hearing aids. By mandating coverage, we ensure everyone has access to affordable healthcare. Please consider joining us in this effort to improve the health and wellness of Pennsylvanians suffering from hearing loss by mitigating the exorbitant cost of hearing aids, especially costs for older Pennsylvanians living on a fixed income.&nbsp;

I am writing to urge your support for upcoming legislation that would expand insurance coverage for hearing aids and reduce the financial burden faced by Pennsylvanians with hearing loss.

Hearing aids typically cost between $1,000 and $4,000, creating a significant out-of-pocket expense for individuals who need them. Currently in Pennsylvania, insurance coverage for hearing aids is only required for Medicaid recipients under the age of 21. As a result, millions of Pennsylvanians—particularly adults and older individuals—are left without coverage and are forced to live with untreated hearing loss simply because they cannot afford these devices.

Hearing loss impacts far more than the ability to hear. It affects communication, employment, social connection, mental health, and overall quality of life. No one should have to “grin and bear” hearing loss because their insurance does not cover a medically necessary device.

To address this issue, this legislative package would require health insurance policies to provide coverage for hearing aids and would urge Congress to expand Medicare coverage to include hearing aids. By mandating coverage, Pennsylvania can ensure more equitable access to affordable healthcare and reduce long-term health and social costs associated with untreated hearing loss.

This issue is especially critical for older Pennsylvanians living on fixed incomes, who are disproportionately impacted by high hearing aid costs. Expanding coverage would allow individuals to remain engaged, independent, and connected to their communities.

Please consider supporting this important effort to improve the health and wellness of Pennsylvanians with hearing loss by making hearing aids accessible and affordable.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Expand Hearing Aid Coverage