HILLIARD, Ohio — A pair of state lawmakers want insurance companies to help cover the cost of hearing aids for kids. The cause is near and dear to the heart of one girl, living with hearing loss, and her family who hope no one has to struggle like they have.
“I think everyone wants to have an impact on their community especially a community that’s been so supportive,” said Ellie Warren, 17, of Hilliard.
Warren has been living with hearing loss nearly her entire life.
“I have worn my hearing aids since I was about three-and-a-half years old when I was diagnosed with hearing loss,” Ellie said.
Ellie’s mom, Camille, said when Ellie was born she passed a hearing test in the hospital but it was not until Ellie had a random screening in preschool that the Warren’s knew something was wrong.
“And she did not pass that hearing screen. So we followed up with an audiologist and found out low and behold she did have a hearing loss. It was honestly a complete shock,” said Camille.
As shocked as she was, Camille admitted what the doctor told her was even more startling.
“One of the first things she said was, ‘and by the way, these are not covered by insurance.’ So it was this kind of double hit,” Camille said.
Insurance companies do not typically cover the cost of hearing aids because they consider them cosmetic or not medically necessary, leaving families like the Warrens to foot the bill for the device as well as audiology appointments, ear molds, and other necessities.
“I use them in my everyday life and I think that they are absolutely necessary to the way that I live my life,” emphasized Ellie.
The Warrens also have four kids, three of which have hearing loss. Camille said the family spends around $14,000 per year on hearing-related bills.
“It’s a real expense,” Camille explained.
State representatives Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington, and Susan Manchester, R-Waynesfield, have reintroduced “Madeline’s Law,” requiring insurance companies to pay up to $2,500 every four years for hearing aids for anyone 21 and younger who are insured.
The bill is named after Madeline Rohlin from Cuyahoga County who was diagnosed with hearing loss when she was two.
Representative Russo said this is a moral responsibility that also has financial benefits for Ohioans.
“Passing this legislation would bring Ohio in line with many other states in the nation and we owe to Ohio’s children to give them the tools they need to develop their full potential and to thrive right here at home,” said Russo.
As for Ellie, who has been advocating for “Madeline’s Law” for years, she is about to graduate from Hilliard Davidson High School and will be attending Ohio State University in the fall before setting her sights on becoming a doctor.
Ellie said if “Madeline’s Law” became law, “It would mean the world to me knowing that I could help other children that are in my position. That is almost the biggest accomplishment that I think that I would have in my life.”
According to the Governmental Policy Group, the state can pay up to $400,000 for hearing-related costs per child by the time they become 18 if no intervention takes place.
House Bill 198 has been referred to Ohio House Health Committee.
