Young, Weinstein Reintroduce Madeline's Law

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Bob Young (R-Green) and Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) recently introduced House Bill 152, commonly known as Madeline’s Law. The proposed legislation would require health insurers to cover the cost of hearing aids for Ohioans ages 21 and younger.

Newborn hearing screening has become a standard practice in hospitals across the United States, and children with hearing loss are being identified and treated at a much younger age. Unfortunately, most insurance companies consider children’s hearing aids elective “cosmetic devices” and can leave a family with a bill of up to $6,000, causing them to hit a financial roadblock.

“No young person should have to go without hearing aids due to a financial barrier,” Young said. “Having a hearing aid should not be considered cosmetic. It is an essential tool for a child’s development.”

“I am excited to get this bipartisan bill passed. I believe it is wrong that Ohio insurers are not required to cover increasingly expensive hearing aids for kids,” Weinstein said. “Every Ohio child has the right to hear, and families need our support to make that a reality.”

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

The legislation awaits committee assignment.