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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.”