Bring Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage to California
Act Now: California Bills AB 224 & SB 62
California is considering AB 224 and SB 62 to modernize health insurance coverage for the 2027 plan year. These bills aim to expand essential health benefits, particularly for hearing exams and medical equipment like hearing aids, ensuring better accessibility for residents in need. By updating the state’s benchmark plan, lawmakers hope to remove financial barriers and support individuals with hearing-related challenges.
Act now by accessing an easy-to-fill-out action form on the HLAA site to send to your legislators!
Advocates and residents can voice support for these critical measures to ensure equitable healthcare access. Contact your representatives today to push for these essential updates and help improve health coverage for thousands of Californians.
It was standing-room only at our Hearing Other People’s Experiences (HOPE) meeting on February 22, where about 15 people gathered, including several new to HLAA. Attendees shared their heartfelt hearing loss stories and supported each other for two hours and many stayed afterwards to continue the conversation, while enjoying the brunch feast provided by our “hostess with the mostess” Georgia Fleischer. The theme of our sharing seemed to be “We are all family and never alone.”
HLAA National even sent a photographer to shoot some photos for their upcoming magazine and other channels, with Communications representative and longtime HLAA-LA member Teri Breier present to relay the latest updates.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are poised to serve a dual purpose, not only as wireless earbuds but also as over-the-counter hearing aids. This new feature is designed for Americans suffering from mild to moderate hearing loss, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional hearing aids, which often carry a stigma and high price tag. Experts are optimistic about the potential for AirPods to make hearing assistance more accessible, especially following FDA authorization of the Hearing Aid Feature (HAF) software. The AirPods Pro 2 will include features like hearing protection, a built-in hearing test, and hearing amplification, making it easier for users to manage their hearing health discreetly.
