June 9, 2015
The Honorable Matt Cartwright
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Cartwright:
On behalf of the millions of members and supporters of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, I am writing to endorse your bill, the “Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act.” It is our hope that action will be taken on this important issue during the current 114th Congress.
The “Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act” is needed by the millions of Medicare beneficiaries who suffer from hearing loss because it would provide Medicare coverage for a comprehensive audiology assessment to determine if hearing aids are appropriate, as well as coverage for hearing aids as durable medical equipment and all the services associated with fitting and adjusting them. Today, many Medicare beneficiaries suffer isolation and severe health problems because they cannot afford to buy hearing aids which cost thousands of dollars. For that reason, the National Committee’s current Legislative Agenda includes support for Medicare coverage for hearing examinations and hearing aids.
Thank you for your leadership on this important issue. We look forward to continuing to work with you to secure enactment of the “Help Extend Auditory Relief (HEAR) Act,” which would improve the Medicare program for today’s seniors as well as future generations of beneficiaries.
Sincerely,
Max Richtman
President and CEO