MAY 23, 200

Legislator Tim Kennedy fights for those with Hearing Loss

Kennedy's resolution aimed at providing insurance coverage for the cost of hearing aids

Recently Legislator Tim Kennedy introduced a resolution supporting New York State's legislation relating to insurance coverage for the cost of hearing aids. With the help of Cate Horucy, an advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing population, the resolution was passed and forwarded to Albany. This resolution, which was approved by the County Legislature, has already garnered support from Assemblyman Mark Schroeder and Assemblyman Jack Quinn III, two elected officials in the State Assembly who continue to advocate on behalf of the disabled community.

According to the resolution, there are an estimated 28 million Americans who have some form of hearing loss. Of the 28 million people living with hearing loss, only 20% take the essential steps needed to correct the situation, mostly because the cost of hearing aids deter them. "Hearing aids are expensive, usually ranging from $1,000 to $4,000," stated Legislator Kennedy. "As a result of the high cost, middle class families and senior citizens often times cannot afford to pay expenses related to obtaining these hearing devices. With the passage of this legislation in Albany, those who suffer from hearing loss will no longer face a financial obstacle." Currently, insurance companies provide funding for things like discounted gym memberships and acupuncture treatments, yet fail to help our hearing impaired community when it comes to the cost of necessary hearing aids.

The resolution ushered in by Legislator Kennedy states that hearing impaired customers, 16 years of age and older, would be eligible to receive a reimbursement of $1,000 every three years for the costs associated with the purchase of up to two hearing aids and other related expenses. For children 15 years of age and younger, that $1,000 reimbursement would be available every two years. The County Legislature did acknowledge that eventually, with the help of the State Legislature, additional monetary assistance should be provided to the deaf and hard of hearing population.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please feel free to contact Legislator Tim Kennedy's office at 824-6180. If you would like to join Cate Horucy in her efforts to advocate on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing population, please e-mail Cate at volleymom818@yahoo.com.

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