Rep. Weinstein Celebrates the Passage of Madeline's Law, Amended into the Strong Foundations Act

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) today celebrated the passage of House Bill (HB) 7 introduced by Reps. Andrea White (R-Kettering) and Latyna Humphrey (D-Columbus).

HB 7, also known as the Strong Foundations Act, would expand access to prenatal, postnatal, infant and toddler services and supports. The bill was recently amended in the Ohio House Finance Committee to include Madeline’s Law.

Madeline’s Law (HB 152) would require health insurers to cover up to $2.5K per individual for hearing aids every 48 months and other related services such as fittings and hearing exams for enrolled Ohioans under the age of 22. The legislation passed the House with an 85-5 vote last year. Despite its bipartisan support, Madeline’s Law has not received any hearings in the Senate Insurance Committee, where it was assigned for further consideration.

HB 7 today passed the House (72-19) with an amendment that would make Madeline’s Law a permanent part of the revised bill.

“I am thrilled to be part of this bipartisan effort to bring much needed relief and support to families in Ohio,” said Rep. Weinstein. “Adding Madeline’s Law to the Strong Foundations Act was a commonsense and much appreciated decision, one which I am confident that if enacted, will only further our goal of ensuring every child is equipped with the resources they need to secure a bright future.” 

Initiatives funded through this legislation would include, but are not limited to:

• Expand hearing aid coverage for persons 21 years of age or younger.
• Invest in technology to make applications for pregnant and postpartum services easier for eligible mothers and children.
• Establish a grant program to support locations around the state with limited access to childcare.
• Establish a pilot program for ODJFS to assist in the development of quality comprehensive childcare programs.
• Make appropriations to support stable housing initiatives for pregnant mothers and to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
• Increase funding for Help Me Grow, Ohio’s evidence-based parent support program, and for other parenting and fatherhood awareness programs.
• Expand mental health training for childcare professionals and parents, as well as early intervention treatment for very young children.

HB 7 now heads to the Senate for further consideration.