Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.
SR56 serves as a preliminary step towards evaluating the implications of requiring insurance coverage for hearing aids. If mandated, insurance providers, including health maintenance organizations in Hawaii, would need to adjust their policies to include hearing aids. This change could alleviate some financial burdens on patients, making it easier for them to acquire necessary assistive devices. However, such a mandate could also face resistance from insurers concerned about increased costs and the potential for higher premiums.
Senate Resolution 56 (SR56) requests the Auditor to assess both the social and financial effects of mandating health insurance coverage for hearing aids. The resolution highlights a significant public health concern, indicating that approximately one-third of Americans aged 65 to 75 and half of those over 75 experience some degree of hearing loss. Given that the cost of a digital hearing aid can exceed $3,000, the financial burden on individuals, particularly families, can be daunting, especially since many individuals may delay or forgo purchasing these devices due to high costs and low insurance coverage.
There are likely to be points of contention surrounding the resolution and its call for assessment. On one hand, advocates argue that increased coverage for hearing aids is essential to improve quality of life for those with hearing loss, allowing them better access to communication and societal participation. Opponents, particularly in the insurance industry, may argue against the necessity of such mandates, citing the potential strain on insurance resources and broader implications for healthcare costs. The outcomes of the auditor's assessment will be pivotal in shaping future legislation regarding health coverage for hearing aids in Hawaii.