Let Washington state hear: Legislators should restore Medicaid coverage of hearing aids for adults

Hearing aids are my lifeline. They allow me to have a conversation with friends and family, medical personnel and law enforcement. They alert me emergency warnings. Hearing aids enable me to use other assistive technology to participate in meetings, government and social activities. My hearing aids are the difference that matters. I can afford hearing aids, but if I were on Medicaid, I could not.

For many of the 650,000 Washingtonians with hearing loss, the price of hearing aids, aural rehabilitation and comprehensive care is beyond reach. For a person on Medicaid, the cost is prohibitive. Treating hearing loss is as important as treating other health conditions. Expanding coverage to include adults as well as children, is essential to enable Medicaid recipients with hearing loss to be functional members of society.

Untreated hearing loss among Washington’s poorest citizens contributes to increased Medicaid costs due to hearing loss-related injuries, physical and mental health problems, which are made worse by hearing loss and loss of employment.

The benefits are clear: fair and equitable treatment of hearing loss for all ages, more people able to work longer and more productively, reduced health and financial risks, and better communication. To build a strong, dynamic state, doesn’t it make sense to ensure that all Washingtonians may hear?

Let your lawmakers know you support Medicaid coverage of hearing aids for adults in the final Washington state budget.

Cheri Perazzoli

Redmond

Director of Advocacy

Hearing Loss Association of America-Washington