On December 12, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3, which includes Section 602 titled, “Providing Coverage for Hearing Care under the Medicare Program” [PDF]. Section 602 of the bill adds new hearing benefits, including hearing aids, for Medicare beneficiaries with severe to profound hearing loss and also includes a number of provisions… Read more »
Author: FLAA
FLAA Member Updates – SB 1006 Filed and Medcial Errors Webinar Available Now
Legislative Update: Senate Companion Bill Filed SB 1006: Coverage for Hearing Aids for Children On Wednesday, the Florida Senate filed a companion bill for hearing aid coverage for children – SB 1006! A big thank you to Senator Baxley for his continued support of this initiative. Check out the bill language, see our legislative supporters,… Read more »
Insurance Coverage Hearing Aid Bill (HB 125) Committee Assignment A Message from FLAA’s VP of Government Relations
Dear FLAA Members, The Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids for Children bill (HB 125) has been assigned to its first committee, the Health Market Reform Subcommittee. Please email and/or call the representatives on this committee to show them your support! Below is an address block that you can cut and paste to send the email… Read more »
Day on the Hill Announcement A Message from FLAA’s VP of Government Relations
Hello FLAA Member, On January 15, 2020, FLAA will host another Day on the Hill to support the Insurance Coverage of Hearing Aids for Children proposed legislation (HB125: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2020/125/ByCategory). This takes place in Tallahassee, FL from 8:00am – 4:00pm. Audiologists, parents, and children all work in small teams (3-4 people) to visit our state congresspeople… Read more »
FLAA Convention Update – Full Schedule Announced and Registration Open!
Registration is now open for the 2019 Florida Academy of Audiology Convention at the beautiful Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida from July 31 – August 3! Schedule Join us for an extremely diverse lineup of sessions from telehealth to pediatrics to tinnitus (and beyond!), this Convention will cover it all and… Read more »
FLAA Legislative Update – Children’s Hearing Aid Bill Passes Unanimously by Senate Banking and Insurance Committee
Progress continues as the Florida Academy of Audiology lobbies for the Hearing Care for Children Act! Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids for Children was re-introduced in the Florida Senate-SB 572-by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-District 12 (Marion, Sumter, Lake Counties). http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/00572 A companion bill was introduced in the Florida House, HB 531, by Representative Robert Charles “Chuck”… Read more »
Senate Bill 572 Update – “WE HAVE A HEARING ON MONDAY!!!
The last legislation regarding required insurance coverage passed over 10 years ago and the group lobbied for 13 years! Getting this hearing in the second year is a HUGE deal. There are still things to be worked out in order for the bill to have a chance of full passage, but we need a… Read more »
FLAA Legislative Update – RSVP Today for our 2019 Children’s Hearing Technology Day in Tallahassee!
As previously stated, the Florida Academy of Audiology is pleased to introduce legislation in Florida to require insurance companies to provide coverage for hearing care and hearing aids for children with private health insurance. FLORIDA SENATE: SB 572 – http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/00572 SB 572: Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids for Children GENERAL BILL by Baxley Filed: Jan. 29,… Read more »
Update – Proposed Legislation – Coverage for Children’s Hearing Loss
The Florida Academy of Audiology is pleased to announce the introduction of legislation in Florida to require insurance companies to provide coverage for hearing care and hearing aids for children with private health insurance. FLORIDA SENATE: SB 572 – http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/00572 SB 572: Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids for Children GENERAL BILL by Baxley Filed: Jan. 29,… Read more »
FLAA Legislative Update – Recap from December 18, 2018 in Broward County
On December 18, 2018, President Elect Barry Freeman testified in Broward County during an open legislative session regarding FLAA’s proposed legislation – Insurance Coverage for Children’s Hearing Care. As he stated, according to the Florida Department of Education, there are 5,747 children with a diagnosis of hearing loss receiving special education services in Florida, but… Read more »