Patrick Signs Law Requiring Coverage of Hearing Aids, Cleft Lip Treatment for Children

Two bills that broaden insurance coverage for children were signed into law this week. 

On Monday, Gov. Deval Patrick signed bills that require insurers to pay for hearing aids for minors and to pay for treatment of cleft lip and palate surgeries and related care for children.

"An Act to provide access to hearing aids for children," was sponsored by Arlington Democrat Sean Garballey and co-authored by Newton mom Lisa Adams, who has twin boys with hearing problems and says she pays upward of $10,000 on hearing aids every few years, according to a report in Wicked Local. 

The new law will require insurers to pay $2,000 toward each hearing aid, as well as "all related services prescribed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist, as defined in that section, including the initial hearing aid evaluation, fitting and adjustments, and supplies, including ear molds."

The second bill Patrick signed into law regarding children's health, "An Act relative to the treatment of cleft palate and cleft lip," was put forth by the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing in February and quickly made its way through the Senate and House on the last day of the Legislative session, July 31. 

It covers the entire correction of either birth defect, including "medical, dental, oral and facial surgery, surgical management and follow-up care by oral and plastic surgeons, orthodontic treatment and management, preventative and restorative dentistry," and more.