Grace's Law

CONAWAY ISSUES MULTIMEDIA PACKAGE ON ENACTMENT OF 'GRACE'S LAW'

New Law Mandates Insurance Companies Provide Coverage for Hearing Aids for Children

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. today issued a multimedia package on the enactment of legislation he and Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. sponsored to require health insurance plans provide coverage for hearing aids for children 15-years-old and younger.

The bill (A-1571), dubbed "Grace's Law" in honor of Grace Gleba, a New Jersey girl with a severe hearing impairment, was signed into law today by acting Gov. Richard J. Codey in a public ceremony in the Governor's Outer Office.

ROBERTS/CONAWAY BILL REQUIRING INSURERS COVER HEARING AIDS FOR CHILDREN SIGNED INTO LAW

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. and Assemblyman Herb Conaway, M.D. sponsored to require health insurance plans provide coverage for hearing aids for children 15-years-old and younger was signed into law today by acting Gov. Richard J. Codey.

Nearly 10 percent of New Jersey’s public school children have either a hearing problem or hearing loss. Many insurance providers cover the cost of annual hearing tests, but few cover purchasing hearing aids – even when the device is deemed medically necessary.

“The treatment of hearing loss in children with hearing aids is not a luxury,” said Roberts (D-Camden).

TRENTON – Noting that health insurers have a responsibility to provide coverage for necessary health care expenses, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey today signed legislation which will require all State-regulated health insurers to cover the cost of medically-necessary hearing aids for children 15 years old and younger.

            “With today’s bill signing, we are making sure that the gift of hearing is not out-of-reach for New Jersey children living with hearing loss,” said Acting Governor Codey.  “No child should be without access to medically-necessary hearing aids, which are especially critical in the formative years when kids develop the skills to speak and communicate.  This new law is about guaranteeing children a level playing field to succeed, and build the skills they need to do well in life.”

TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Barbara Buono and Fred H. Madden, which would require health care providers to cover the cost of hearing aids for children age 15 and younger was unanimously approved today by the full Senate.

            “When left undiagnosed and untreated in children, hearing loss can impede the development of speech, language and cognitive development,” said Senator Buono, D-Middlesex.  “These developmental delays can cause a need for costly special education services later on in life. By calling upon health insurers to cover the cost of hearing aids for kids, we are renewing our commitment to the growth and educational success of New Jersey’s children.”

COHEN/ROBERTS 'GRACE'S LAW' ADVANCES

Measure Would Require NJ Health Insurers to Provide Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Below Age 16

(TRENTON) - An Assembly panel today released legislation Assemblyman Neil M. Cohen and Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., sponsored to require health insurance plans to provide coverage of medical expenses incurred when purchasing hearing aids for children 15-years-old and younger.