Hearing Aids

As printed originally by the Lincoln County News on September 29, posted with permission of the author.

To the editor:

“Whazzat?”
“I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”

This was me in 2017. My patient wife, Susan, gently suggested I visit an audiologist to determine whether I needed hearing aids and to get an estimate of their cost. I dutifully made an appointment and yes, years of drumming for a rock band in high school and then Athens, Ga. had delivered significant hearing loss. The fee for the hearing aids that were recommended was $1,750 each – $3,500 for both – and that was with the $750 each that my generous (at that time) insurance would cover. We decided we couldn’t afford them.

Fast forward to December 2019. I received a letter from my insurance company saying they would now cover the cost of hearing aids for patients who were diagnosed with a loss, beginning in January of 2020. I immediately made an appointment for Jan. 24 and was hearing better by mid-February. The cost to me for a pair of $5,000 hearing aids that can link to my phone, take calls, and enable me to listen to podcasts without bothering anyone else with the sound? Four dollars. Yes, you read that correctly, $4.

Why did the insurance company decide to cover my need? Was it because they suddenly decided that folks who were as “mature” as I am should have the benefits of decent hearing and be able to interact in a meaningful manner with their spouses, friends, and neighbors?

Nope. It was the Democrat-led Legislature and Gov. Janet Mills who developed, passed, and then signed a law that significantly broadened not only who is covered but the actual coverage all Mainers receive from their healthcare insurance.

This didn’t happen as a result of loud-mouthed, politically charged rhetoric. It was the Democratic Legislature and a governor whose leadership style is to carefully examine all sides of an issue, make a determination, and then act in a manner that provides the most benefit to the most residents of this magnificent state.

And, as you may have heard, the federal government is finally catching up and soon hearing aids will be available over-the-counter for those who wish to go that route. Thank you, Democrats.

If you want to continue this sort of leadership – leadership Maine can be proud of that actually helps the little guy (and gal) overcome real issues and that improves their lives – join me in supporting Gov. Janet Mills and return a Democratically led Legislature to Augusta in November.

Geoff Bates
South Bristol