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House committee hears competing claims on bill to require hearing-aid coverage for adults
Summary
The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee heard testimony for and against House Bill 1670, which would require health insurers to provide a minimum hearing-aid benefit for adults; audiologists argued the bill improves health and reduces downstream costs, while the Insurance Federation warned of premium increases and urged alternative approaches.
The House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee held a public hearing on House Bill 1670, which would require certain health insurance policies to provide coverage for hearing aids and associated professional services. Chairwoman Madden opened the hearing and described the intent to consider evidence from both supporters and opponents.
Co-prime sponsor Rep. Joe Hohenstein told the committee that hearing loss is a barrier to independence for many adults and said the bill aims to prevent older Pennsylvanians from losing access to hearing aids for financial reasons. "Hearing is foundational to independence, safety, and connection," Hohenstein said, and he urged bipartisan support for a policy that would, in his words, help older adults remain active and engaged.
Clinical witnesses representing audiologists and speech-language professionals…
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