Governor Signs Wisconsin Children's CI Insurance Bill
Press release, Office of Governor Jim Doyle, Madison, Wisconsin - May 21,
2009
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For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
Governor Doyle Signs Bill Requiring Insurers Cover Cochlear Implants,
Hearing Aids for Kids
MADISON - Governor Jim Doyle today signed SB 27, requiring health
insurers cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for persons under 18 years
of age.
"This is an important bill that protects Wisconsin families," Governor
Doyle said. "For too long, too many families with deaf children or children
with hearing loss have struggled to pay for treatment. Today, we are making
sure these families no longer have to choose between putting food on the
table or providing effective and proven treatment for their child."
The bill requires health insurance policies and plans to cover the
cost of hearing aids or cochlear implants and related treatment for children
under 18. Coverage is limited to two hearing aids every three years and the
child must be diagnosed by a physician or audiologist as being deaf or
hearing impaired.
Research shows that early intervention can save families $5,000 to
$10,000 per child per year, or $1 million during a lifetime. Access to
hearing aids or cochlear implants results in earlier development of speech
and language skills, as well as decreased need for special education.
About 200 babies are born deaf or hard of hearing in Wisconsin each
year, and more than half of Wisconsin families do not have insurance that
covers any of the cost of hearing aids, according to a survey by the
Wisconsin Chapter of Hands.
Governor Doyle thanked Senators Lassa and Hansen and Representatives
Cullen and Bernard Schaber for their work on the bill.
*Thank you to all of the families who wrote to the governor in support of this bill*
