{"id":1444,"date":"2025-02-21T17:41:29","date_gmt":"2025-02-21T17:41:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hwfmagazine.com\/essexunion\/?p=1444"},"modified":"2025-03-03T15:13:41","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T15:13:41","slug":"maryland-makes-sound-investment-in-expanding-access-to-hearing-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hwfmagazine.com\/essexunion\/maryland-makes-sound-investment-in-expanding-access-to-hearing-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Makes Sound Investment in Expanding Access to Hearing Aids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hearing loss is a significant issue affecting millions of Americans, and Maryland is no exception. According to data from Johns Hopkins University and the CDC<\/u><\/a>, about 15 percent  of adults in Maryland experience hearing loss, with prevalence increasing sharply with age. Nearly 60% of adults over 70 face hearing challenges, yet only 20 percent of those affected use hearing aids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s missing out on conversations, struggling to hear your favorite music, or feeling isolated in social settings, untreated hearing loss can take a toll on emotional and mental well-being. For adults, the financial burden of purchasing a hearing aid has been one of the most significant barriers to treatment, with the cost of these devices often ranging from $2,500 to $8,000 per pair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But now, a new law is changing the game<\/u><\/a> for state residents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breaking Barriers to Hearing Health<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While previously, insurance coverage in the state was mandated only for children under 19, beginning January 2025, Maryland\u2019s House Bill 1339 and Senate Bill 778<\/u><\/a> extend this benefit to adults. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt the moment, the biggest challenge [to access] is cost\u2026If this law does what we hope it will do, it will greatly increase accessibility to hearing healthcare for everyone,\u201d said Pamela McIntyre, Director of Operations for Freedom Hearing Center<\/u><\/a>, a medical-based hearing care practice with locations across Maryland. \u201cHearing healthcare is an important part of overall health and wellbeing and we truly believe that everyone should have access to hearing devices when needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new mandate requires insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and HMOs to cover up to $1,400 per hearing aid every 36 months. Individuals can also choose higher-priced devices and pay the difference without penalties to providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This change also aligns with broader efforts to make hearing aids accessible to everyone. In 2022, the FDA introduced over-the-counter hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss, offering an affordable option for those who don\u2019t require prescription devices. However, over-the-counter devices aren\u2019t suitable for everyone, particularly those with more severe hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This expansion addresses a critical gap for older adults, as hearing loss increases sharply with age. Approximately six in 10 adults over 70 experience hearing loss<\/u><\/a>. With this change, many can now afford devices that can enhance their quality of life, like a hearing aid, improve communication and reduce risks like social isolation and cognitive decline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By addressing financial and accessibility barriers, this legislation helps ensure that all residents can get the care they need. If hearing loss has been holding you back, now is the time to take the first step toward better hearing health with the help of an appropriate hearing aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Taking the Next Steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Marylanders looking to benefit from the new law should start by reviewing their insurance plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is Maryland state legislation, which should not affect federal programs so Medicare and any government insurance would not be impacted by the new law,\u201d said McIntyre. \u201cSince there are so many different insurances in Maryland and insurances renew on an annual basis, this will affect each person differently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This coverage applies only to hearing aids prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by licensed audiologists. Schedule a hearing test if you\u2019re experiencing difficulties, and they can evaluate and determine whether hearing aids are appropriate for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check your current benefits to understand how the new law applies and contact your insurance provider or consult your HR department if you\u2019re covered under an employer-sponsored plan. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to understand how the new law applies to your coverage. Key questions to ask include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n