New VA Contracts for Hearing Aids

Wouldn't it be nice if all of us could get our hearing aids for the price that the VA pays?  Imagine paying 61 - 86% below the price that those of us now pay if we are not Veterans...

http://www.audiologyonline.com/theHearingJournal/pdfs/HJReport_1009.pdf?utm_source=The+Ear+Hears&utm_campaign=3fc3a766eb-HJ_October_Newsletter&utm_medium=email

I wonder if the new Healthcare Reform bill will equal the playing field for the millions here in the U.S. that have hearing loss, but lack the funds to get hearing aids?  The Insurance industry will probably find yet another loop hole that will enable them to deny the claim for those that have private insurance. 

Hearing aids are still classifed as a 'cosmetic device' by most insurance carriers.  I'll bet that won't get us out of having to pay the new 'medical device' tax that is also being proposed in the Healthcare Reform Bill.  Yet, the Congress and Senate chambers are 'looped' for all of those long term elected officials that now have hearing loss.  One of these days, I'm hoping to see equal and fair treatment for all of us that live in the D/HOH worlds.  After all, it's our tax monies that are paying for the hearing loss health and devices of those in government. 

They should all be made to walk in our shoes for a day to see what it's really like to be a common citizen...

Have a great week!

Copyright 2009 Tami Klink