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Advocates press for H3946 to require insurance coverage for hearing aids
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Summary
Hearing health advocates and residents urged passage of H3946 and S756, saying high hearing-aid costs and lack of coverage leave people isolated and harm employment and cognitive health.
Hearing-health advocates, people with hearing loss and community organizations urged the committee to support House Bill 3946 and Senate Bill 756 to require insurance coverage for hearing aids and related services.
Speakers said hearing loss is an often-invisible disability that reduces quality of life, employment prospects and social connection. They argued that untreated hearing loss entails long-term costs that outweigh the upfront cost of coverage and that access to hearing aids should not depend on ability to pay.
A witness who identified as a hearing-health advocate and former record producer said he has worn hearing aids for 20 years and asked lawmakers to pass H3946, noting studies that link hearing loss to cognitive decline and higher fall risk. Ronald Bergenheim of Deaf Inc. in Salem said his insurance denied hearing-aid coverage after age 18 and that the cost of hearing aids can approach $5,000 per ear — a barrier he and others cannot overcome.
Speakers asked the committee to favorably report H3946 and S756 and to consider coverage that reduces out-of-pocket costs and improves early access to treatment.
Ending: Advocates asked lawmakers to adopt insurance reforms so hearing aids are affordable and accessible; no committee actions were recorded during the hearing.
