Rep. Weinstein Celebrates Passage of Madeline's Law

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) today celebrated the passage of Madeline’s Law, a critical piece of legislation that will require health insurance plans to cover hearing aids and related services for individuals 21 years of age and younger. The bill passed in the early hours of the morning after being added to House Bill 315, a state and local government omnibus bill, during Conference Committee. 

"Today, thanks to advocates like Madeline’s parents and many others who have supported this cause for years, we are finally providing relief to families who might previously have been unable to afford these critical devices. By enacting this bill, we are ensuring that every child in our state can hear, regardless of their parent’s ability to pay for these services” said Rep. Weinstein. “As a legislator, I am proud of this bill and all the work that went into it. The passage of this legislation is the true meaning of supporting our families.”

Madeline’s Law, which was originally introduced by Rep. Weinstein and Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) during the 133rd General Assembly, requires health benefit plans to provide coverage of up to $2.5K per individual hearing aid every 48 months for Ohioans under the age of 22. In addition, the bill ensures coverage for related services such as fittings, hearing exams, and other necessary treatments for young Ohioans with hearing impairments.

Madeline’s Law was named for Madeline Rohlin, a young Ohioan whose parents first approached Rep. Weinstein during the 133rd General Assembly. They shared their struggle of accessing hearing aids for Madeline due to a lack of insurance coverage. After the initial introduction, the bill was reintroduced in the 134th General Assembly where despite passing out of the House Health Committee in 2023 with a 15-2 vote, the bill did not make it to the House floor before the end of the General Assembly.

This year, with continued support from families, legislators from both sides of the aisle, medical professionals, and advocacy groups, Madeline’s Law successfully made even further advancements, passing unanimously out of the House Insurance Committee, onto the Ohio House floor with a vote of 86-8, and receiving two hearings in the Senate Insurance Committee.

The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Mike DeWine. Once enacted, Madeline’s Law will add Ohio to the growing list of states that require insurance companies provide hearing aid coverage for children.