House Committee Passes Madeline's Law

COLUMBUS – The House Insurance Committee passed Madeline’s Law, legislation joint sponsored by State Reps. Bob Young (R-Green) and Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson). 

While hearing aids play a critical role in early intervention to support speech and language development, childhood hearing aids are still considered “cosmetic devices” by many insurance providers in Ohio. When these devices are not covered, it can leave families with a bill of up to $6,000. 

House Bill 152, commonly known as Madeline’s Law, would require health insurers to cover up to $2,500 per individual hearing aid every 48 months for enrolled Ohioans under the age of 22. The bill also requires coverage for related services such as fittings and hearing exams.

“Madeline's Law addresses the issue of hearing loss in children, which affects a small percentage of our population but can have a major impact on a child’s ability to communicate and learn,” Young said. “I appreciate the strong bipartisan support for this legislation that lowers financial barriers and increases access to early intervention services and hearing aids.”

If passed, Ohio would be added to the list of 25 other states that require insurance providers to cover hearing aid costs for children. Madeline’s Law, named after Ohio native Madeline Rohlin, was first introduced in the 133rd General Assembly.