LANSING — A bill sponsored by Michigan state Rep. Dale Zorn, (R., Onsted) to make hearing aids more accessible for children has passed the Michigan House of Representatives.

The bipartisan plan, which now goes to the state Senate, would ensure Michigan children’s health insurance covers treatment for hearing loss through age 18 and up to $3,000 in coverage per hearing aid every 36 months, Mr. Zorn’s office said in a news release Thursday.

“Sadly, many insurance companies do not offer hearing coverage, and that puts children with hearing impairments at a serious disadvantage,” Mr. Zorn said in a statement. “Hearing aids must become more accessible to children who need them early on so as to significantly increase their shot at academic success. Hearing disability treatments should be covered just like every other disability children may face.”

House Bill 4944 would increase a policy premium by 10 cents to 17 cents per month, according to estimates from actuaries and underwriters.

First Published December 13, 2024, 7:33 p.m.