Leader Russo Announces Passage of Madeline's Law

COLUMBUS — House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today announced that Madeline’s Law was signed Wednesday by Governor Mike DeWine after being added to House Bill 315, a state and local government omnibus bill. A legislative priority Leader Russo has championed for several General Assemblies will require health insurance to cover hearing aids for certain patients under the age of 22.

“It took nearly six years and three General Assemblies to finally get Madeline’s Law to the Governor’s desk, but, this week, we got it done,” said Leader Russo. “Hearing aids for Ohio children will finally be considered medically necessary devices that require coverage from health insurers.”

Madeline’s Law will require health insurance to cover $2,500 per hearing aid, every four years for patients under the age of 22 that have been verified as deaf or hearing impaired by a licensed audiologist or other licensed physician. While both Medicaid and Medicare provide coverage for hearing aids, Madeline’s Law expands coverage for those with private insurance, addressing the gap in coverage for those above the poverty line and expanding coverage for all Ohioans. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Attached are photos of Leader Russo with Governor DeWine ceremonially signing House Bill 315 into law. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats