tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73284667299740693552024-02-07T04:33:35.038-05:00MassHAFCCThe Massachusetts Hearing Aids for Children Coalition is a statewide network of families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing and professionals working together to maximize a child’s lifetime potential through educational, medical, social and emotional support.MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-86660525277924161672014-01-30T19:03:00.002-05:002014-01-30T19:03:44.018-05:00A Loophole or the Law?<br />
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<span style="color: red;">IS YOUR EMPLOYER SELF-INSURED?</span></div>
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On January 1, 2014, the new hearing aid law for children in MA turned 1 year old. It is still too soon to understand how many children benefited since the law rolled out during 2013 as health insurance enrollment dates came due. Now the law is fully operational and part of your insurance coverage under the state mandate if your employer is commercially insured. What does that mean? Why are some children still unable to benefit from the law? Is there a loophole in coverage?<br />
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<span style="color: red;">SELF-INSURED V. COMMERCIALLY INSURED PLANS</span></div>
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An employer can provide health insurance to its workers in a few ways. Some employers elect to pay a premium to health insurance companies for health benefits for its employees. Employees may share in that premium. These are <span style="color: red;">commercially insured plans</span> and they are regulated at the STATE level, which means that they must follow STATE laws. The new hearing aid mandate is one of these STATE laws that applies to all commercially funded insurance plans in the Commonwealth. These insurers must also follow federal laws, like the Affordable Care Act. The relationship goes something like this:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">EMPLOYER - HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY - EMPLOYEE</span><br />
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Other employers may chose to <span style="color: red;">self-fund</span> health insurance. This means that the employer pays for all of its employees' health care costs directly instead of paying a health insurance company to handle health insurance. Self-insured plans are governed by FEDERAL laws, like ERISA (the Employee Retirement Income Security Act) and are not subject to state laws, including state insurance mandates. Here is what this relationship looks like with respect to health care coverage:<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">EMPLOYER - EMPLOYEE</span><br />
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This means that self-insured employers in MA are not legally (legislatively) required to provide hearing aid coverage under the new hearing aid law. They don't have to because they are governed by FEDERAL laws. This is just the way the law and our legislative system work.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">THERE IS NO LOOPHOLE, IT'S JUST THE LAW</span> </div>
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What if your employer self-funds your health insurance and your child needs hearing aids?<br />
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<li>Ask your employer to add the benefit! Talk to your Human Resources Department and explain why your employer should add insurance coverage for hearing aids for children to its insurance benefits package. Often employers will follow state mandates by adding similar coverage. One reason employers decide to self-insure is so they may customize a plan to meet the specific needs of their workforce. If an employee needs specific coverage, an employer may consider adding the benefit. The final decision, however, rests with your employer.</li>
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<li>Some employers prefer to provide health insurance benefits that mirror coverage mandated by the state. Perhaps your employer will add the benefit to its insurance plan because other children in the Commonwealth are receiving the benefit. Your employer may feel that health mandates signal a gap in health care coverage that legislators and health care officials felt strongly enough to address. Your employer may also realize that providing coverage for hearing aids reduces other health insurance costs along the way, like coverage for speech and language therapy services, medical costs associated with untreated pediatric hearing loss or costs associated with the social and emotional well-being of a child. Your employer doesn't feel this way? Then educate your employer!</li>
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<span style="color: red;">EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYER AND ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD!</span></div>
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<li>If you are thinking of getting involved at the legislative level, go to Washington D.C.! Lobby to have full insurance coverage for pediatric hearing aids added to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This would provide coverage for ALL children in every state of the United States. In fact, early versions of the ACA included coverage for pediatric hearing aids, but this coverage dropped out in later versions. The FEDERAL law that controls self-funded plans (and commercially insured plans) needs to be changed, not the STATE hearing aid law for children. </li>
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<li>Talk to your U.S. Senator. Schedule a meeting to discuss this issue. Ask your Senator to take this issue up in Congress.</li>
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<li>Folks at the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program, Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, 5th Floor, Boston MA 02108 Tel: 1-800-882-1435 do a great job of explaining this conundrum. Don't believe us? Give them a call!</li>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This information is not intended as legal advice. It is purely informational and intended to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">educate consumers about the new hearing aid law in MA.</span></div>
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<br /><br />MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-26640110823988186422013-03-11T11:50:00.001-04:002013-03-11T11:50:38.011-04:00Have You Used the New Hearing Aid Law for Children?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have used the new hearing aid law for children in MA, either successfully or unsuccessfully, we would like to hear from you! Please <span style="color: #cc0000;">post a comment</span> to let us know how it is going out there....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We continue to chart implementation of the law and find it helpful to know what roadblocks families are encountering with insurance companies or providers. We also love to hear that children are accessing hearing aids successfully under the law! If you leave a comment, it is helpful to know the issue and the name of the insurance company so that we may keep better track of how implementation is unfolding.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">We would also like to remind you that you may seek assistance with accessing the hearing aid benefit under the new law by contacting one of the three agencies listed at the bottom of our FAQ page (scroll down to January 2013 posting).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Thanks,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The MassHAFCC Team</span>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-10324975120054356052013-03-02T11:53:00.000-05:002013-03-02T11:53:15.474-05:00Outstanding Organization of the Year<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">We learned just a few days ago that the MassHAFCC Board are to be the recipients of the first ever </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Outstanding Organization of the Year</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> award by the Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">We are truly humbled and honored by this distinct honor. </span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">Please join us receive this award during the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Constituent's Day on </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><b>Thursday March 7, 2013</b></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> at the Massachusetts State House. We encourage and welcome all D/HH families + supporters to participate in this very special event! </span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 17px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">The program is scheduled to begin at 10am until noon. Join community members, family members, service providers, and state agency leaders in connecting with legislators and focusing on legislative priorities. Invited guests include State Senators, Representatives, and state agency officials. A special guest, Dr. Harvey J. Corson will talk with us about taking action, working with legislators, and achieving legislation that works for us. </span>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-23973264127217060652013-02-24T21:32:00.004-05:002013-02-28T11:47:46.375-05:00New Hearing Aid BillsCurious to know if any hearing aid bills have been filed this legislative session? We were too! It turns out there are several new bills involving hearing aids....<br />
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Rep. John Scibak (S. Hadley) has filed 3 bills- a bill providing a tax credit for hearing aids, a bill providing insurance coverage for hearing aids with a monetary cap and a bill providing insurance coverage for hearing aids for individuals with profound hearing loss.<br />
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First Scibeck Bill: <a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H980" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H980</span></a><br />
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Second Scibeck Bill: <a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H979" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H979</span></a><br />
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Third Scibeck Bill: <a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H2736" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H2736</span></a><br />
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Rep. John Hart has filed a bill mandating insurance coverage for hearing aids unless the purchaser goes out-of-network:<br />
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Hart's Bill: <a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/Senate/S445" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/Senate/S445</span></a><br />
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Rep. William Galvin (Canton) has filed a bill related to the sale of hearing aids, including the requirement to break down the cost of items and services.<br />
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Galvin's bill: <a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H213" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H213</span></a><br />
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And a cochlear implant bill filed by Sen. Eldridge: <a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/Senate/S437">http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/Senate/S437</a><br />
MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-65411390868804946922013-02-01T21:32:00.000-05:002013-02-02T13:16:20.336-05:00Educating D/HH Children<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We came across a column posted yesterday (1/31/13) in the Kentucy Teacher newsletter entitled </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><a href="http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/guest-columnist/2013/01/questions-to-ponder-about-how-best-to-educate-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-students/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent Link to Questions to ponder about how best to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing students">Questions to ponder about how best to educate deaf and hard-of-hearing students</a></i></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> that we found quite interesting. It helps to gain a little insight into understanding the issues associated with educating DHH children. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />In particular:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"... Research also shows that “language fluency is necessary for optimal executive functioning development.” ... Are we providing all DHH children with enough language experiences to increase their brain cells’ flexibility and number of branches and interconnections of their brain cells to result in higher academic achievement?..."<br /><br />"...The authors said, “Deaf individuals notice more quickly than hearing individuals when something appears in the peripheral visual field or if it moves. They also are faster at shifting their visual attention to the periphery and then shifting it back.” These differences are the brain’s way of adapting to being deaf. Are DHH children being taught how to use their visual attention appropriately so they are not distractible? Are we mislabeling DHH children as having ADHD because their environment is not set up to lessen the distractions in the periphery? Are we capitalizing on the deaf child’s stronger visual spatial memory when we teach them or are we using the same strategies as we do for hearing children?.."</span></blockquote>
Follow this link to read the full text:<br />
<a href="http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/guest-columnist/2013/01/questions-to-ponder-about-how-best-to-educate-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-students/" target="_blank">http://www.kentuckyteacher.org/guest-columnist/2013/01/questions-to-ponder-about-how-best-to-educate-deaf-and-hard-of-hearing-students/</a>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-77960497045310381062013-01-02T07:21:00.000-05:002013-03-11T11:40:53.912-04:00Children's Hearing Aid Law Effective January 1, 2013<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Hearing Aid Law for Children, Chapter 233 of the Acts of 2012, went into effect in Massachusetts on January 1, 2013. Following are some of the most commonly asked questions about the new law.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Please note</u>: This page is provided by MassHAFCC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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<span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>UPDATE:</strong> On December 31, 2012, the Division of Insurance issued a bulletin to clarify certain parts of this law. <a href="http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/business/insurance/doi-regulatory-info/doi-regulatory-bulletins/2012-doi-bulletins/bulletin-2012-11.html" target="_blank">Click here</a> to read the bulletin. Relevant parts of the bulletin are also inlcuded in the answers, below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does the law provide?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapter 233 provides insurance coverage for hearing aids for children 21 years old and younger up to $2,000 per hearing aid for each hearing impaired ear in each 36-month period.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When is the effective date of the law?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The law applies to all health plans that are delivered, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2013. This means that coverage becomes effective as policies are renewed throughout 2013. Following this year, coverage will remain continuous under health insurance policies. Before you begin the process of purchasing hearing aids, check with your health insurance carrier to verify the specific date on which your coverage will be effective.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Example</u>: Your health insurance plan renews on July 1<sup>st</sup>. Coverage becomes effective under your policy on July 1<sup>st</sup>. This means that you may not purchase hearing aids for your child or seek coverage for related services and supplies under this law until July 1<sup>st</sup>.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does the $2,000 cap include?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The $2,000 cap includes coverage for each hearing aid device. An insured may select a higher-priced hearing aid and pay the difference in cost above the $2,000 limit for the device. Plans must also cover all services related to a covered hearing aid device, including the initial hearing aid evaluation, fitting and adjustments and supplies, including ear molds. These amounts are not included in the $2,000 coverage limit that applies to the hearing aid device, but are covered separately and outright under your plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Are batteries covered?</strong></span> </span><span style="color: black;">Yes. Coverage under this law includes related services, including the initial hearing aid evaluation, hearing aid fittings and adjustments and supplies. Batteries are covered under the "supplies" section of the law. A billing code already exists for hearing aid batteries- your dispensing audiologist should have this.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>How about ear molds?</strong> Ear molds are covered under this law.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is covered?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children 21 years of age or younger who are covered under fully-insured plans.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who is <u>not</u> covered?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children who are covered under self-insured plans are <u>not</u> covered by this law. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A self-insured (or self-funded) plan is one in which the employer assumes the financial risk for providing health care benefits to its employees, even if an insurance company is used to process the claims. Self-insured plans are governed by federal ERISA laws and are not subject to state mandates or regulation by the state Division of Insurance. This means that self-insured employers will not be required to provide hearing aid coverage under Chapter 233.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do I know if my plan is fully-insured?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may find out if your plan is fully-insured by contacting your insurance carrier or your Human Resources department at your place of employment.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do I do if I find out that my plan is self-insured?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may advocate for your child! Contact your employer to explain why they should add this coverage to their insurance plan. Often employers will follow state mandates by adding similar coverage. One reason employers decide to self-insure is so that they may customize a plan to meet the specific needs of their workforce. If an employee is in need of specific coverage, an employer may consider adding the benefit. The final decision rests with your employer.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if my plan has a high deductible?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chapter 233 allows carriers to apply deductibles, coinsurance, co-payments or out-of-pocket limits to hearing aid devices, supplies and services related to hearing aids, but they may not be greater than any applied to other benefits covered in the health plan. If you have a high deductible that would effectively cancel out the benefit afforded by this law, you may wish to shop around for another health insurance carrier. If this is not possible, consider appealing to your health insurance carrier to provide the coverage. Every health insurance carrier has a dispute resolution process and must consider your appeal.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Must I live in Massachusetts to be covered under this law?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not necessarily. If you work for an employer that is located in Massachusetts but reside outside of Massachusetts, you are most likely eligible for benefits under Chapter 233. To be sure, check with your Human Resources department.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if I live in Massachusetts but work for an out-of-state employer?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your employer is located outside Massachusetts, you are most likely ineligible for benefits under Chapter 233 because your employer would be subject to insurance mandates and oversight by the state in which it is located. To be sure, check with your Human Resources department.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do I do once I find out that my child is eligible to purchase hearing aids under this law?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you determine that your child is covered by a fully-funded plan and are certain of your renewal date, you will need a written statement from your child’s treating physician that the hearing aids are necessary. Either your child’s pediatrician or ENT may provide this written statement. Then, your child’s audiologist will recommend a hearing aid that best fits your child.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can my child be denied hearing aids depending on how the hearing loss occurred?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. Chapter 233 provides that a child must be afforded coverage for hearing aids if a treating physician or ENT issues a written statement that the hearing aids are necessary regardless of how the hearing loss occurred (<i>e.g.,</i> at birth, late onset, accident, illness).</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is this law based on income levels?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No. Any child 21 years of age or younger who resides in Massachusetts, is covered by a fully-insured health plan and meets the other requirements listed in the law is eligible to receive the benefit.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is there anything that I need to know about talking to my health insurance company?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Always</u> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">get the full name, phone number and extension of the insurance representative with whom you speak in the event that you or someone else will need to follow up on the conversation. Take notes during your discussions and keep the notes in a file or notebook so that you may refer to them again, if necessary.</span><br />
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</span><b></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if I am eligible for coverage under this law but my insurance company denies or delays coverage?</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are denied coverage or coverage is unduly delayed by your insurance company, you may file an appeal or grievance with your insurance company or you may contact the Bureau of Managed Care at the Division of Insurance in Boston to file a complaint by phone, fax or e-mail. You may also contact the Office of Patient Protection at the Department of Public Health in Boston.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bureau of Managed Care</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Division of Insurance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1000 Washington Street, Suite 810</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Boston, MA 02118<br />
Tel: (617) 521-7372<br />
Fax: (617) 521-7773
</span><a href="http://www.mass.gov/doi/"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">www.mass.gov/doi/<br />
</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">E-mail: </span></span><a href="mailto:bmc.mailbox@state.ma.us"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">bmc.mailbox@state.ma.us</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Office of Patient Protection<br />
Department of Public Health<br />
250 Washington Street, 2nd Floor<br />
Boston, MA 02108<br />
Toll Free: 1-800-436-7757 (within Mass. only)<br />
Fax: (617) 624-5046
</span><a href="http://www.mass.gov/dph/opp"><u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">www.mass.gov/dph/opp</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Department of Public Health</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">250 Washington Street, 5th Floor</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Boston, MA 02108</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Tel: 1-800-882-1435</span>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-26612907241232207082012-11-25T22:28:00.007-05:002012-11-25T22:31:32.994-05:00Update on Implementation of Law in MAMembers of MassHAFCC have been working diligently over the last few months in preparation of the implementation of the new law in Massachusetts. We have been in communication with the Division of Insurance to share the SPIRIT and INTENTION of the specific HB52 <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">language</span> that was passed earlier this year <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><u>unanimously</u> by</span> both the House and Senate as well as <u>with full support</u> of Governor Patrick.<br />
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We will continue to keep the <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Massachusetts D</span>/HH community up-to-date as things develop.<br />
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<i>Stay tuned and visit this blog regularly</i>! MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-69692643448810035002012-11-05T20:33:00.003-05:002012-11-05T20:33:59.299-05:002012 Walk4Hearing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2012 Team MassHAFCC</span></b></td></tr>
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Team MassHAFCC participated </div>
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on October 28.</div>
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Although hurricane Sandy threatened to test our New England resolve, the heavy rains and wind held off long enough to allow us to reconnect with old friends as well as make new ones. MassHAFCC hosted a table to make available literature regarding the new law covering pediatric hearing aids in Massachusetts and to share example of the advocacy work MassHAFCC proudly did on behalf of all Commonwealth families.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Examples of advocacy work</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Team MassHAFCC's table</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4 buddies ready to go!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo op along the route</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIZCnEk7c7kmYuB03jm-UTCkdthwztazPBW1GKfV79mjLfE-ZOrcvI8qWHCYVwEauT82e2g-peTdWP2dk-zLjLRsz8H9jlnTE3oLsmZv7jZi-591TI1d5h0S8469Pi3B_ExvbXluGSYX8/s1600/lili.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJIZCnEk7c7kmYuB03jm-UTCkdthwztazPBW1GKfV79mjLfE-ZOrcvI8qWHCYVwEauT82e2g-peTdWP2dk-zLjLRsz8H9jlnTE3oLsmZv7jZi-591TI1d5h0S8469Pi3B_ExvbXluGSYX8/s200/lili.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Face painting</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wally!!</td></tr>
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MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-27885473631942715652012-11-02T10:55:00.002-04:002012-11-05T19:22:21.895-05:00Advocacy starts early!We loved reading about a very special 8 year old girl. Samantha and her old brother Sean are both hard of hearing and wear hearing aids. She saw a need to better educate her peers, her educators and public at large about hearing loss so she wrote a book! Check out some of the wisdom this precious girl already exhibits:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Last year when I was still wearing one hearing aid I wrote a book called
"Samantha's Fun FM Unit and Hearing Aid Book." I wrote it to explain why I wear
a hearing aid and an FM Unit in school. And I also made the book for kids or
adults that have hearing loss too. I want them to feel the same way about their
hearing aids that I do!"</blockquote>
So proud of children of all ages who recognize a need and take action!! MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-39746518590118430062012-11-01T20:51:00.000-04:002012-11-01T20:51:29.683-04:00Pediatric Hearing Aids: Cost, Retention, Daily ManagementWe recently learned of an article in the October 9 issue of ASHA's Leader entitled "Parents' Experiences With Pediatric Hearing Aids". Following a survey of 333 parents, three main themes emerged as concerns: cost, retention, and daily management. <br />
<br />
In Massachusetts, we are fortunate that the cost issue will soon be a thing of the past for most Commonwealth families. Retention seems to be problematic in the early infant/toddler years. Daily management is what seems to be most concerning. As one parent said, "I would have liked to have been told how to care for them, how
to check if they weren't working, what steps to take before taking them to be
repaired, and when to replace earmolds."<br />
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Ultimately, it is our belief that building strong communities, support systems and timely information exchange is the key. <b>The MassHAFCC's mission truly reflects that notion</b>. <br />
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For the full-text article: <a href="http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2012/121009/Parents-Experiences-With-Pediatric-Hearing-Aids.htm" target="_blank">http://www.asha.org/Publications/leader/2012/121009/Parents-Experiences-With-Pediatric-Hearing-Aids.htm</a>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-85703103936991218462012-10-28T16:30:00.000-04:002012-10-28T22:01:46.828-04:00Save the Date: March 7, 2013<span class="userContent" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">MARCH 7, 2013: the date has been announced for the Massachusetts Deaf and Hard of Hearing Constituents' Annual Day!! It is a great opportunity for </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Statewide Advisory Council members, community members, legislators, and state agency directors to gather at the State House in Boston. </span><br />
<div class="userContentWrapper aboveUnitContent" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="_wk mbm" style="font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Be sure to mark your calendar now! </div>
<div class="_wk mbm" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<i>For more information, contact Ami.Hanigan@MassMail.State.MA.<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>US</i></div>
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MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-3519392369720995432012-10-27T15:07:00.000-04:002012-10-27T15:12:07.157-04:00"Let's Break the Silence on Hearing Loss"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We recently came across this poignant article by Kathleen S. Roufs in <em>The Chronicle of Higher Education</em> which is described as the No. 1 source of news,
information, and jobs for college and university faculty members and
administrators. Based in Washington, D.C., <em>The Chronicle </em>has
more than 70 writers, editors, and international correspondents.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ms. Roufs directly addresses the issue of university/college faculty who are hard of hearing. She explores the often overlooked impact of hearing loss on the professional life of an educator.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is both alarming and heartbreaking to think that faculty members with hearing
loss fear they will be judged by their hearing limitations, rather than their
intellectual contributions. As one respondent said, "I'm pretty good at lip
reading and faking it."</span></blockquote>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline !important; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is unfortunate that the stigma of hearing loss has not yet been eradicated from our society. The best skill you can teach your children is how to advocate for themselves. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To read the full text, follow this link. <a href="http://chronicle.com/article/Lets-Break-the-Silence-on/134888/" target="_blank">http://chronicle.com/article/Lets-Break-the-Silence-on/134888/</a></span>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-30541558986011294532012-10-26T15:52:00.000-04:002012-10-27T15:07:15.965-04:00Boston's Children Hospital BlogSending a big shout out to Boston's Children Hospital's pediatric health blog THRIVE for the great coverage on the ceremonial signing by Governor Patrick and sharing Lisa Adams' (MassHAFCC President and Co-Founder) personal story. Be sure to see the adorable pictures of Lisa's boys!! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://childrenshospitalblog.org/massachusetts-requires-insurance-companies-to-cover-hearing-aids-for-children/" target="_blank">http://childrenshospitalblog.org/massachusetts-requires-insurance-companies-to-cover-hearing-aids-for-children/</a>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com90tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-8299803911769694272012-10-17T00:06:00.002-04:002012-10-17T00:20:11.923-04:00Pictures by Nicole Hirsch Photography<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdr0mVyqWnGPwsPGdreYZkrQmaKXGnBjWPmoOlGUeqObas4LPzOvyiDSX-cCQ5tFQwhxRHB0ON7Xby3ezwZq5zs053oenJIjG3LYJW5Oah1YoFI1gIH7R_N8Hm8mtPxNWGwl5eNR7AYoD/s1600/20120927_0886_00310_NEH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdr0mVyqWnGPwsPGdreYZkrQmaKXGnBjWPmoOlGUeqObas4LPzOvyiDSX-cCQ5tFQwhxRHB0ON7Xby3ezwZq5zs053oenJIjG3LYJW5Oah1YoFI1gIH7R_N8Hm8mtPxNWGwl5eNR7AYoD/s1600/20120927_0886_00310_NEH.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdr0mVyqWnGPwsPGdreYZkrQmaKXGnBjWPmoOlGUeqObas4LPzOvyiDSX-cCQ5tFQwhxRHB0ON7Xby3ezwZq5zs053oenJIjG3LYJW5Oah1YoFI1gIH7R_N8Hm8mtPxNWGwl5eNR7AYoD/s320/20120927_0886_00310_NEH.JPG" width="320" /></a>On the day of the ceremonial signing at the Governor's Office, we were fortunate to have professional photographer<em> </em>Nicole Hirsch with us. Nicole did a wonderful job of capturing this special event-- her pictures tell a story of this amazing day that we will never forget. With her permission, we have posted some of her pictures from the ceremony. To contact Nicole or to learn more about Nicole Hirsch Photography and view more of her amazing photographs, go to: <a href="http://www.nicolehirschphotography.com/">http://www.nicolehirschphotography.com/</a>.<br />
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We have included the link to her web page in our "Links" section on this blog. Enjoy!</div>
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MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-68908914450901013132012-09-28T19:02:00.001-04:002012-09-29T11:39:54.340-04:00CELEBRATION at the Massachusetts State House!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5IOcWHRfa1do2QHg_YGC0xlMGbrym4Wo07e8Brm4dowOyYbi5Ur2-eSEgYEIZCLQ3toaAvppMePZCsxdc9DmLMSwr6gX7j4qynhz2SkE9XJD2fjccMd6VgTHRa9jTytXQwV1BjUZofE5/s1600/gov+signing+blog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5IOcWHRfa1do2QHg_YGC0xlMGbrym4Wo07e8Brm4dowOyYbi5Ur2-eSEgYEIZCLQ3toaAvppMePZCsxdc9DmLMSwr6gX7j4qynhz2SkE9XJD2fjccMd6VgTHRa9jTytXQwV1BjUZofE5/s200/gov+signing+blog.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDay4BVcplFbjGtMYJLoE6Iar1XVm9nhWEI3Su3vhfj84snZmoTTYVms0J0mkpsX7S0GQqwqwIrmbdeXmXJ9LvOXo-1POh4w1XQr5QNRsN7bsQ7bZ9qs3AKskCOb_EYvOjbu5aO7c3XCsQ/s1600/gov+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDay4BVcplFbjGtMYJLoE6Iar1XVm9nhWEI3Su3vhfj84snZmoTTYVms0J0mkpsX7S0GQqwqwIrmbdeXmXJ9LvOXo-1POh4w1XQr5QNRsN7bsQ7bZ9qs3AKskCOb_EYvOjbu5aO7c3XCsQ/s200/gov+for+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">September 27, 2012 - MassHAFCC and their families, Massachusetts legislators including House Bill 52 sponsor Representative Sean Garballey, representatives from Boston's Children's Hospital, MCDHH Deputy Commissioner Patricia Ford and members of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community at large were present to witness the ceremonial signing of House Bill 52 (An Act to Provide Hearing Aids to Children) into Law (Chapter 233 of the Acts of 2012) by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiOpT1FdCkSogDJZoaFDeAZeia9_UyhJy9i6vv50BB8i0HCPcW-OR4gnyXYn38b7lxKBS98_bDskRIWODAPhwpzizZJcfJ-jm7fL_-cMehnn0Kimv0rDqC32ullhWrrxFmJURIdbDdnsi/s1600/seven+ladies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiOpT1FdCkSogDJZoaFDeAZeia9_UyhJy9i6vv50BB8i0HCPcW-OR4gnyXYn38b7lxKBS98_bDskRIWODAPhwpzizZJcfJ-jm7fL_-cMehnn0Kimv0rDqC32ullhWrrxFmJURIdbDdnsi/s200/seven+ladies2.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This bill, after being filed by Representative Garballey, began its journey in
the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities with
Representative Khan and Senator Rodriques as Co-Chairs of the Committee and moved to the Joint Committee on Health Care and Finance chaired by Representative Walsh. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Brief comments were made by Lisa Adams (MassHAFCC President), Michelle Motta Dardeno and Kim</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> LaBrecque (MassHAFCC Board Members) and Dr. Marilyn Neault (Director of Habilitative Audiology at Boston Children's Hospital) following congratulations by Governor Patrick. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many children, families and professionals from across the state were thanked for testifying in person, submitting written testimony and making many phones in support of passing this bill.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcB6Ty_FACjTnB9ZBPHfgFkN8TUREva0nePu6Yxg5sNHiKvOvuRf6mw_aVqhN7oRY_UTyAuFzgvSc00PV6kKLuElIAIZpA80s34rBm3vw90dyMkI5Rs0_S7WfK2L-kRHNHlWPeVjpKMXJ/s1600/all+kids+with+Sean+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqcB6Ty_FACjTnB9ZBPHfgFkN8TUREva0nePu6Yxg5sNHiKvOvuRf6mw_aVqhN7oRY_UTyAuFzgvSc00PV6kKLuElIAIZpA80s34rBm3vw90dyMkI5Rs0_S7WfK2L-kRHNHlWPeVjpKMXJ/s200/all+kids+with+Sean+blog.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">O</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">f note, Lisa shared that "...the impact of this law is already being felt across our state in hospitals and audiology offices-- it has instantly changed the initial discussion between practitioners diagnosing hearing loss and families hearing the diagnosis for the first time. This is big news for our children: we can diagnose hearing loss early and ensure access to sound, speech and language early too." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Dr. Neault introduced a mother and her 4 month old daughter who was recently diagnosed with hearing loss through the Newborn Hearing Screening program. Mom explained that she was "completely overwhelmed" when she found out how much hearing aids cost. Everyone in the room echoed her sentiment and tears as she stated "I can't thank you enough" over again. This new law will remove the financial burden for this family and all families across the Commonwealth. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Massachusetts became the 20th state to pass legislation mandating insurance coverage for pediatric hearing aids in the United States when the bill passed unanimously through the House and Senate and officially signed into law on August 7th, 2012.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The full 24 minute recording of the ceremony: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEXq_yJkoNU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEXq_yJkoNU</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></div>
MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-21475361553221021022012-09-24T13:56:00.001-04:002012-09-25T15:14:47.368-04:0011 Misconceptions Teachers Should Know about Children with Hearing Loss <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We recently came across this article ("<i>Eleven misconceptions teachers should know about children with hearing loss</i>") by Janice Schacter Lintz (mom of an 18-year-old with a severe to profound hearing loss who is about to enter her
freshman year at Brown University). The author does a nice job explaining each point in a manner easily understood by all. There are many truths worth remembering and sharing with the teachers, specialists and support staff that educate our children.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingviews/2012/eleven-misconceptions-that-teachers-should-know-about-children-with-hearing-loss/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingviews/2012/eleven-misconceptions-that-teachers-should-know-about-children-with-hearing-loss/</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are the 11 misconceptions to entice you to read the full article. </span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People with hearing
loss are older adults.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A child who responds
to sound does not have a hearing loss.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a
late-diagnosed hearing loss is the same as being born with a hearing loss.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hearing aids and
cochlear implants restore hearing to normal.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With
hearing aids or CIs, children can usually hear everything that is said in
class, and if they can’t hear something they will advise the teacher.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Increasing the sound
volume on a hearing aid will enable a child with hearing loss to understand
what is said.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children who wear
hearing aids or a CI for their hearing loss do not need an FM unit as well.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A child who can
understand what’s said in small group settings won’t have a problem watching a
movie or video without captions. If the film or video has captioning, the child
does not need it hooked up to his or her FM system.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People with hearing
loss are dumb, stupid, mute, have intellectual limitations, and are bound to be
unsuccessful.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Children with a
hearing loss are born to parents who have a hearing loss and use American Sign
Language (ASL).</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People with hearing
loss cannot learn other languages.</span></span></li>
</ol>
<br />MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-15478030237018875892012-09-12T11:16:00.003-04:002012-09-12T11:16:52.389-04:00New Hearing Aid Law for ChildrenHi everyone- You may now read the new hearing aid law for children in Massachusetts online. Click on the following link. The citation is: Chapter 233 of the Acts of 2012.<br />
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<a href="http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2012/Chapter233">http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2012/Chapter233</a><br />
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The law becomes effective on January 1, 2013. There may be regulations drafted prior to that date. We will keep you posted.<br />
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MASSHAFCCMassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-24879316370133243012012-09-07T12:23:00.001-04:002012-09-08T10:25:15.031-04:001983 vs. 2012Can you believe that in 1983, the New York Times found that then President Reagan's public hearing aid use was newsworthy? Yes, its true!<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/08/us/reagan-begins-to-wear-a-hearing-aid-in-public.html">http://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/08/us/reagan-begins-to-wear-a-hearing-aid-in-public.html</a><br />
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Of particular interest was this statement:<br />
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<i> "Among Presidential advisers, Mr. Reagan's use of a hearing aid revived
speculation on whether his age would be an issue if he seeks re-election next
year. The general feeling was that it would not."</i><br />
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REALLY??? I, for one, am thankful that the use of hearing aids at ANY age is less of an issue in 2012 than in 1983. People at every age are affected by hearing loss. If hearing aids help, we should wear them without reservation, fear of embarrassment or discrimination. <br />
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It never ceases to amaze me when I think of how these powerful devices help our children navigate through life everyday. To all deaf/hard of hearing children who know firsthand the necessity and benefits of wearing hearing aids everyday, we commend your <u>courage</u>, <u>determination</u> and <u>accomplishments</u>! <br />
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<br />MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-76157491758655289252012-08-27T21:40:00.003-04:002012-08-27T21:40:46.111-04:00How can I protect my child from hearing damage from iPods?In March 2006 Apple released a software update for iPods that
allows parents to use a combination lock to set the maximum decibel level for
children. Apple posted information online at <a href="http://www.apple.com/sound">www.apple.com/sound</a> on how
to use this new feature and other strategies to limit long-term hearing
damage.<br />
<br />
Topics covered on this page:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>The Science of Sound</li>
<li>Sound and Your Ears</li>
<li>Listen Responsibly</li>
<li>Think about the Volume</li>
<li>Keep Track of Time</li>
</ul>
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Check it out!!MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-82761167278849932512012-08-19T09:14:00.000-04:002012-08-23T09:28:45.170-04:00Join "Team MassHAFCC" <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Team MassHAFCC </span></b>will be participating again this year in the New England Walk4Hearing on October 28th. It has always been a great time to meet and reconnect with other adults and children with hearing loss in our area. The children have always enjoyed the kid's activities before/after!<br />
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If you are interested in raising awareness in our local area about hearing loss, we would LOVE for you to join us! You can join <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Team MassHAFCC</span></b> 2 ways:<br />
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1. Walk4Hearing website (<a href="http://www.walk4hearing.org./">www.walk4hearing.org)</a><br />
2. Click on Walk4Hearing in our "links" section of this blog</div>
<div>
- Location: Brighton, MA (Artesani Park - 1234 Soldiers Field Rd)<br />
- Date: Sunday, October 28, 2012 (10am check-in/11am walk begins)<br />
- Team name: "<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Team MassHAFCC</span></b>"<br />
- Register to join the team</div>
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<div>
This will be our 3rd year participating as a team. In 2009, we wore light blue and in 2011 we wore navy blue. We've enjoyed walking with<b style="color: red;"> </b>MassHAFCC children, parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles and friends. If you join, please contact us if you are interested in purchasing a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Team MassHAFCC</span></b> T-shirt.</div>
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MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-13816606842458472542012-08-16T18:56:00.001-04:002012-08-16T18:56:46.851-04:00Thank Your Legislators!Hi everyone- as we are still basking in the rays of our new law, Chapter 233 of the Acts of 2012, we ask that you take a few minutes to thank your legislators for supporting and passing House Bill 52. We contact them when we ask them to do something for us, but I fear they don't hear back from enough of us to thank them for a job well done. This is surely that time. House Bill 52 passed unanimously in the House and Senate and we owe a big thanks to those that made the bill a reality for our children.<br />
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<span style="color: red;">Please take 5 minutes to call or write your Representative and Senator to thank them for passing this law.</span><br />
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Then, go back to celebrating!!<br />
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-MassHAFCCMassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-18222015342641188192012-08-07T13:58:00.004-04:002012-08-08T08:21:03.280-04:00H.52 has been signed into LAW!!!<b>It is with the utmost joy that we share that Governor Deval Patrick just signed House Bill 52 into LAW!!</b><br />
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As with any great endeavor, success is never built on the shoulders of a few but on a community of dedicated contributors. We thank Rep. Sean Garballey, H52 sponsor and Dave Koffman in his office for their leadership and ability to garner bi-partisan support across the MA House and Senate. There were many, many legislative supporters including the 71 original co-sponsors <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">that worked tirelessly on behalf of all D/HOH children in Massachusetts. To all the professional, family-based and school-based groups that were ready at every "call to action", we thank you and hope you share in this happy news! Feel free to spread the word!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Details about coverage, etc. will be flushed out as the regulations are drafted/finalized prior to the effective date 1/1/13. The MassHAFCC blog will continue to provide information as it is made available to us. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><b>It is a very happy day!!! </b></span>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-82040450375656741012012-08-05T07:15:00.000-04:002012-08-05T23:00:12.127-04:00CALL TO ACTION: Call Governor Deval Patrick and ask him to sign House Bill 52!We ask all supporters of House Bill 52 across the state for help! Last week's tremendous success for the deaf/ hard of hearing children in Massachusetts has <i>one additional step</i> before the bill can become law: signature by the Governor. The bill was unanimously voted and passed by the Massachusetts House and Senate representing wide spread support and understanding across the state. <br />
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Please <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">call Governor Patrick on Monday </span>to make your voice heard loud & clear in support of House Bill 52. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Ask him to sign House Bill 52 </span>to allow children across the Commonwealth equal access to sound through hearing aids.<br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">Office of the Governor, Boston: 617-725-4005 or 617-727-3666 (TTY)</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">THANK YOU!!!</span></div>MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-75865776556983033112012-08-04T08:14:00.003-04:002012-08-05T07:17:37.967-04:00Press On Hearing Aid BillPerhaps you have read a few not-so-favorable articles and editorials in the Boston Herald over the past few days. There is going to be bad press, along with the articles that we'll enjoy reading about the hearing aid bill. Here are a few things to remember about House Bill 52 as you read these articles:<br />
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While House Bill 52 is a health insurance mandate, it is not a typical mandate because it is farther reaching than simply covering an insurance cost. Passing House Bill 52 will save on medical expenses associated with untreated hearing loss; speech and language services, which insurance covers (thus insurance itself will realize cost savings); educational costs for special education services associated with servicing children who lag behind in speech, langauge, reading, math, etc. because of late access to hearing aids; and 4) services associated with the social and emotional well-being of the child. Few mandates affect the WHOLE CHILD as significantly as does House Bill 52.<br />
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Moreover, House Bill 52 has a $2,000 cap and a 36-month cycle for benefits-- it has cost-containment built into the bill! This squares nicely with Gov. Patrick's policy.<br />
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If you decide to leave a comment for any of these articles on-line, please remember these points and feel free to use them.<br />
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And, please keep checking back to find out how you can continue to support the bill as it moves to the Governor's desk!MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7328466729974069355.post-16721797437095661112012-08-03T09:04:00.002-04:002012-08-03T09:04:56.244-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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All of us at MassHAFCC would like to thank all of you who helped to pass House Bill 52! We could not have done it without you. Your emails, phone calls, testimonies, letters and hard work paid off and you should feel proud. THANK YOU!!MassHAFCChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11623201188768538003noreply@blogger.com0