Allow Medicare to cover the cost of hearing aids

Dear U.S. Representative/U.S. Senator:

Today more than 70 percent of seniors between the ages of 65 and 84 who need hearing aids don’t get them. That’s because Medicare doesn’t cover their cost, which leaves millions of Americans unable to afford these devices. This leads to isolation, depression and, as some studies have documented, early dementia.

I believe this is a serious gap in coverage that must be addressed immediately. That’s why I urge you to support Rep. Dingell’s important bill, the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2015 (H.R. 1653), which would allow Medicare to cover hearing aids.

Enabling Medicare to cover the cost of hearing aids would not only improve the health and independence of millions of seniors, it makes good economic and policy sense by potentially preventing the costly effects of hearing loss including increased hospitalizations, cases of depression and cognitive decline. Not covering routine hearing exams, hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids leaves far too many seniors vulnerable. Medicare covers testing strips for diabetics and wheelchairs for people who can no longer walk, so there’s no reason people suffering from hearing loss should be denied coverage for hearing aids.

This is an issue that impacts millions of Americans, and inaction leaves millions of seniors isolated and facing a higher threat of serious medical conditions. So please support the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act and ensure that Medicare continues to evolve to address the changing health care needs of millions of American seniors.

I look forward to hearing from you on this critical issue that will impact the health security of current and future generations of older Americans.