Submitted by: Marjan Jahani Kondori, MD, and Sara Robinson, MD

Desired actions:

• Advance the resolution nationally (to the AAFP Congress of Delegates)

WHEREAS the cost of hearing aids ranges between $1000-$6000 per pair, which can be cost prohibitive¹;

WHEREAS Medicare does not provide coverage for hearing aids or for exams for hearing aid fittings²;

WHEREAS, in 2023, Minnesota lawmakers passed Minnesota Statute 62Q.675, stating that a health plan must cover hearing aids for all individuals for hearing loss that is not correctable by other covered procedures (but does not affect self-insured plans or Medicare)³;

BE IT RESOLVED that the MAFP create a resolution to present at the AAFP Congress of Delegates that the AAFP will advocate for Medicare coverage for hearing aids.

References and Supporting Information

1. Rowden, A., Iskander, A., Dresden, D., & Davenport, S. (2023, July 28). How much do hearing aids cost in 2023?. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/cost-of-hearing-aids#benefits.
2. Hearing aids. Medicare. (n.d.). https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids.
3. Important hearing aid news. Deaf and Hard of Hearing. (2023, November 1). https://mn.gov/deaf-hard-of-hearing/about-us/news-and-events/?id=1121-596197.

Testimony

Loss of hearing is a common affliction that becomes more common as we age, and it can greatly affect quality of life. Unfortunately, hearing aids remain out-of-reach for too many patients due to cost. This would be an opportunity to improve the wellbeing of patients in need.

Comments in support (8):

Elizabeth Ingersent – Hearing is an essential part of life and interacting with others. Medicare should cover hearing aids for those who need them.

Andrew Slattengren – Although state law requires coverage, this action should be taken at the national level to include Medicare payments.

Eric Poulin – Support.

Chris Reif – Agree.

Sola Adegoke – Support.

Roli Dwivedi – Strongly support.

Margaret Kirkegaard – The whereas section could be strengthened by citing a recent study from Lancet: the risk of premature death was 24% lower among those who used hearing aids regularly, compared to those who did not. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00232-5/fulltext

Kim Krohn – Awesome.

Comments against (1):

Robert Koshnick – What I favor is giving people the ability to have the money to make hearing aids competitive. Costco is an example where they provide hearing aids at a competitive price.