128th MAINE LEGISLATURE
LD 761 LR 2151(01)
An Act To Increase Access to Hearing Aids
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
Sponsor: Rep. Herbig of Belfast
Committee: Health and Human Services
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
             
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Current biennium cost increase - Federal Expenditures Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
The bill would provide reimbursement for a hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear for an individual enrolled in the MaineCare program when the hearing loss has been documented by an approved physician or an audiologist and the hearing aid has been provided by an approved audiologist or a hearing aid dealer. Currently, MaineCare members over 21 can receive hearing aids when meeting multiple requirements, including having moderate to severe hearing loss and being in post-secondary school or vocational training or working and having a physician identify the need for hearing aids for school, training or work. This bill provides hearing aids for all hearing impaired ears approved by a physician or audiologist, which would likely be a lower threshold than the current rules. This would increase the costs for hearing aids. It is unknown how many members would receive hearing aids under the new, less strict rules. Thus, no estimate of cost is made at this time.