CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently reintroduced Ally’s Act, bipartisan legislation that would ensure private insurance companies provide coverage for osseointegrated hearing devices (OIDs), including bone anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) and cochlear implants. OIDs are a type of hearing aid that benefit a wide range of hearing loss victims and are often the only hearing device that can restore hearing for individuals born with hearing loss. Senator Capito most recently introduced Ally’s Act in January 2021.
“Auditory implant devices and external sound processors can be life-changing for individuals who suffer from severe hearing loss. That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce Ally’s Act, legislation that would ensure insurance companies cover these hearing aids and provide relief to those born with hearing loss and their families. Our senses are something we too often take for granted, and I will continue to work to establish better access to these critical hearing devices,” Senator Capito said.
In addition to Senator Capito, Ally’s Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.). A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen Joe Neguse (D-Colo.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.).
BACKGROUND:
The legislation is named after thirteen-year old Colorado-native, Ally Tumblin, who was born without a right ear or hearing canal and therefore requires the use of a BAHA. Following a denial for her hearing device, Ally and her mother formed the organization, “Ear Community” to help advocate for insurance coverage of these hearing devices to ensure no person is left unable to hear because of private insurance companies’ refusal to cover OIDs.
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