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Rep. Gus Bilirakis Introduces Bill to Expand Access to Health Care |
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HEAR Act will allow Medicare to cover hearing aids
April 19, 2007
Washington, D.C. - Congressman
Gus M. Bilirakis (R-Palm Harbor) has introduced H.R. 1912, the Medicare Hearing
Enhancement and Auditory Rehabilitation (HEAR) Act, which will help seniors
better afford hearing aids and other auditory rehabilitation services.
"We must begin a national discussion on how to help seniors
afflicted with hearing loss or impairment, especially with more and more
baby-boomers suffering from this condition becoming Medicare-eligible," said
Bilirakis. "As an American with hearing loss, I understand all too well
the frustrations associated with this condition. It makes good sense to
help those who suffer from hearing impairment better afford devices,
treatments, and services that will improve their quality of life."
According to the National Institutes of Health, hearing loss
is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. One in three
people over 60 and half of those over 85 have hearing loss. Medicare,
however, is precluded from providing coverage for hearing aids. The HEAR
Act repeals this prohibition and directs the Secretary of Health and Human
Services to determine the most appropriate manner to provide this
benefit.
Bilirakis noted that hearing problems, especially among the
elderly, can make it difficult to understand and follow a doctor's advice,
respond to warnings and commands, and talk with friends and family, all of
which can be frustrating, embarrassing, and dangerous.
"I intend to work very hard to focus the attention of
Congress on this important issue and move forward the debate about helping
seniors with hearing loss," Bilirakis said.
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