ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A bill that would require insurance companies in the state of Georgia to cover hearing aids for children was approved late last month by the state Senate by a margin of 47-6. A prior version of the bill had already passed in the state House by 155-5. Now, the legislation heads to Governor Nathan Deal’s desk, where he is expected to sign the bill into law.
The bill would require insurance to cover hearing aids up to $3,000 per ear, for individuals under the age of 18, every 4 years.
Hearing Loss Advocates Champion Bill’s Passage
Sara Kogon, co-founder of Let Georgia Hear advocacy group, said the bill’s approval is a culmination of six years of efforts by the organization. She was quoted as saying she felt “great, fantastic, relieved, ecstatic” about passage of the bill.Kogon is hopefully that the governor signs the bill into law by the end of the month, however, no date is currently set.
“I am proud to partner with Let Georgia Hear and sponsor this legislation that will directly benefit children across Georgia with hearing impairments to ensure they have the coverage needed to obtain hearing aids. I want to ensure every child in this state has every opportunity to grow and thrive. This legislation will go a long way in that goal for many children” —Georgia State Sen. P.K. Martin IV, R-Lawrenceville
“The cost of the mandate is pretty cheap, less than 3 cents per month per insured Georgian,” said Kogon.
Source: NorthsideNeighbor
