[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 10281]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    THE MEDICARE HEARING ENHANCEMENT AND AUDITORY REHABILITATION ACT

  (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues 
to cosponsor H.R. 1912, the Medicare Hearing Enhancement and Auditory 
Rehabilitation, HEAR, Act.
  H.R. 1912 will provide for Medicare coverage of hearing aids and 
auditory rehabilitation services. Medicare is currently specifically 
prohibited from paying for hearing aids. The HEAR Act repeals this 
prohibition and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to 
determine the most appropriate manner for Medicare to provide this 
benefit.
  Hearing problems can make it difficult to understand and follow a 
doctor's advice, respond to warnings and hear doorbells and alarms. 
Hearing problems can also make it hard to enjoy talking with friends 
and family. All of this can be frustrating, embarrassing and even 
dangerous. It makes good sense to help these people better afford 
devices, treatments and other services that will improve their quality 
of life and increase their safety.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 1912.

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