[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE HEALTH COVERAGE FOR HEARING AIDS 
                         FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 1999

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that 
would provide coverage for hearing aids under the health benefits 
program for Federal employees.
  Hearing loss is a health issue. If hearing loss is not treated, it 
can affect the general and psychological health of an individual. 
Studies show that people with hearing loss often suffer serious 
emotional and social consequences. Untreated hearing loss can lead to 
depression, anxiety, stress and chemical dependency which results in an 
increase in medical visits and hospital stays.
  Many people feel that there is a stigma attached to hearing loss and 
try to hide it. This is especially true of employees who fear that they 
will be seen as less than competent in the workplace if they admit that 
they have a hearing loss.
  Hearing loss affects about nine million Americans over the age of 65 
and 10 million Americans between 45 and 64. About three out of five 
older Americans and six out of seven middle-aged Americans with hearing 
loss do not wear a hearing aid. More than one-half of the non-users 
cite the cost as a reason for not wearing a hearing aid.
  Hearing aids are a major uncovered health care expense. The average 
cost of a hearing aid in 1997 was $971. By providing health care 
coverage, this legislation will ensure that federal employees and their 
families will be able to afford much-needed hearing aids.
  There are a number of insurance policies that cover hearing aids. The 
California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) provides 
coverage for hearing tests and hearing evaluations, at no cost. This 
plan also covers up to $1,000 every three years for hearing aids.
  The State of Minnesota Employees Insurance provides coverage for 
hearing exams and up to 80 percent of the cost of a hearing aid for all 
its employees. And Hartford Insurance offers hearing testing and the 
full cost of two aids every five years.
  Mr. Speaker, hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic 
conditions in America. We must address this serious problem by making 
hearing aids more affordable, so that hearing-impaired individuals and 
their families can improve the quality of their lives.

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