RD20 - House Bill 2032 - Mandated Coverage for Hearing Aids for Children Under Age 18


Executive Summary:
The House Committee on Commerce and Labor referred House Bill 2032 to the Advisory Commission for review during the 2003 Session of the General Assembly. House Bill 2032 was introduced by Delegate J. Chapman Petersen. House Bill 2032 amends and reenacts § 38.2-4319 and adds § 38.2-3418.14 to the Code of Virginia and requires each insurer to provide coverage for hearing aids and related services for children from birth to age 18 under such policy.

The Advisory Commission held a public hearing on August 4, 2003 in Richmond to receive public comments on House Bill 2032. In addition to the bill’s chief patron, three interested parties spoke in favor of House Bill 2032. Two speakers provided testimony in support of the proposed legislation. One of the speakers was representing the interests of the Virginia Association of Speech-Language-Pathologists. Another speaker, who is hearing impaired and a member of several hearing associations, provided testimony. The final speaker represented the Virginia Association of Health Plans (VAHP) and was opposed to the proposed legislation.

Additional public testimony was received at the November 17, 2003 meeting of the Advisory Commission. Six speakers provided testimony in support of House Bill 2032. Two speakers were parents of children with hearing impairments. Two were audiologists providing a perspective of helping children with hearing aids. The fifth speaker was a member of the hearing impaired community and a member of several hearing associations. The final proponent was a physician. One speaker, representing VAHP, spoke in opposition of House Bill 2032.

In addition, several letters were received by the Advisory Commission addressing House Bill 2032. Four of the letters supported the bill, and three of the letters acknowledged their opposition to the proposed mandate. A letter from the State Health Commissioner outlined the state programs that provide hearing aid assistance.

The Advisory Commission concluded its review of House Bill 2032 on November 17, 2003.