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128th MAINE LEGISLATURE |
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LD 761 |
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LR 2151(01) |
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An Act To
Increase Access to Hearing Aids |
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Preliminary
Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill |
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Sponsor: Rep. Herbig of Belfast |
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Committee: Health and Human Services |
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Fiscal Note Required: Yes |
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| Preliminary
Fiscal Impact Statement |
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Current biennium cost increase - General Fund
Current biennium cost increase - Federal Expenditures Fund |
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| Fiscal Detail
and Notes |
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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. |
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