SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed landmark health legislation that requires Illinois insurers to cover replacement costs of hearing aids every three years for hearing-impaired children who are 18 or younger.
The governor signed House Bill 4516 late this morning at the Capitol with 10-year-old Hunter Martin and his mother, Ramona Martin, present. Hunter and his brother, Owen, 7, both wear hearing aids. Hunter, who resides in Illiopolis, testified in front of House and Senate committees in 2017 and again this year to advocate for the new law.
“This bipartisan legislation will enhance the quality of life for young Illinoisans who are hearing impaired,” Rauner said. “Because they are growing, children need replacements for their hearing aids more often. The devices are costly. Children who have to go without struggle not only with day-to-day interactions but also are at a disadvantage in their classrooms.
“I know Ramona and Andrew Martin are very proud of this young man, their son Hunter, who so effectively brought this matter to the attention of members of the General Assembly,” the governor added.
Hearing aids can cost about $4,000. The new law requires insurers to provide one hearing instrument for each ear every 36 months for those 18 and younger. The law also provides that repairs are covered when deemed medically necessary and provides ear examinations, selection, fitting and adjustment of ear molds are covered when medically necessary.
“When a child cannot hear properly, a host of problems can arise, including falling behind in school and behavioral challenges,” said State Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield, who sponsored the bill in the Senate. “Hearing aids are medically necessary for children to successfully go to school and grow. We must ensure they are available to all children who need them.”
“This legislation will help families afford to give their children a tool for success,” said Rep. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, the chief sponsor in the House. “Working with Hunter and his family, we accomplished this goal. Hunter knows first-hand what it is like to be a child with hearing loss. He hopes to help not only himself and his brother, but all children in Illinois by providing access to quality hearing instruments.”
HB 4516 is effective immediately.
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