H.R. 477, Ally’s Act, is a bicameral/bipartisan federal bill that would ensure private insurers cover medically necessary bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants for children and adults, ages birth through 64 years.
Bone anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants address unique corrective requirements for specific forms of hearing loss, and are typically the only treatment for these specific hearing losses. Hearing is critical for young children’s speech and spoken language development. Untreated hearing loss in adults is associated with significant negative consequences including poorer quality of life. Yet, these life-changing treatments for hearing loss are often denied by insurers. Ally’s Act requires that medically necessary bone-anchored hearing aids, cochlear implants, and the accompanying medical and audiological visits, are covered by private insurers to help ensure no person is left unable to hear due to insurance coverage issues.
A hearing has been requested for this bill with members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
If you believe that medically necessary, life-changing treatments for hearing loss should be covered by insurance, we need your help!
Please ask your representative to co-sponsor this bill and ask for a hearing! Share your story, or use the following script:
Hello! Please support House Bill 477, also known as Ally’s Act. This is a bicameral/bipartisan national level bill that would ensure private insurers cover specialized implantable hearing devices known as bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants when they are medically necessary. This bill would help children and adults, from birth to age 64 years, to have better access to life-changing treatment, allowing them to fully participate in the workplace and community. Please review this legislation as a hearing has been requested by members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Congressman David McKinley is the original co-sponsor for this bill. Thank you!
If your representative is on the House Energy and Commerce Committee you may contact them at their office phone numbers listed below:
For more information about Ally's Act, please read the press release from Congressman Joe Neguse, watch this video from CBS Denver, visit Ear Community at www.earcommunity.org, or email earcommunity@gmail.com
Thank you so much for your continued support of Ally's Act, H.R. 477!
Source: Ear Community