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Insider's Report: Time to Expand Medicare to Cover Hearing Aids
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Many older adults suffer from some form of hearing loss. But millions of retirees who rely on Social Security for most of their income can’t afford treatment because traditional Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, which can cost thousands of dollars each. In fact, 75-80% of Americans suffering from hearing loss do not get hearing aids.
Hearing loss can affect a person’s life in many ways. In fact, a day in the life of someone who suffers from hearing loss may involve struggles to hear someone on the telephone, hear the television, understand the instructions given by a physician or discern who is speaking in a large group of people. Older Americans with untreated hearing loss are more vulnerable to isolation, depression, early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, not to mention at a greater risk of falling and being hospitalized.
Here at the National Committee, we don’t believe that hearing aids should be for the wealthy only — they should be affordable and accessible for all Americans as this is a serious health-related issue. That’s why we support U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell’s (MI-12) "Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act" (H.R. 1118) that would expand benefits to cover hearing exams and hearing aids.
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| This Month Is Older Americans Month! |
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Each May, the nation celebrates Older Americans Month to recognize older Americans for their contributions and provide them with information to help them stay healthy and active. The 2021 theme for this year’s Older Americans Month is "Communities of Strength," which was selected to celebrate the strength of older adults and the Aging Network, with special emphasis on the power of connection and engagement in building strong communities.
As you may know, older Americans are the backbone of the National Committee’s volunteer network and we’re celebrating their contributions to our work this month. The grassroots activism of our passionate and informed members and supporters is the main reason why the National Committee has so much clout in Washington, even though we don’t take a penny of government or corporate money. With so much now hanging in the balance, it’s more important than ever for older adults to stay informed and engaged in the fight to protect and strengthen earned benefits.
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| Good Bills |
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The National Committee endorses the "Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act" (H.R. 1118), introduced by U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (MI-12), which would improve the Medicare program for millions of beneficiaries by covering the cost of hearing aids and examinations.
Today, many Medicare beneficiaries suffer isolation and severe health problems because they cannot afford to buy hearing aids which cost thousands of dollars. That’s why the National Committee urges Congress to act on this important issue.
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| Ask Web |
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Our resident Social Security expert, Webster Phillips — a Senior Policy Analyst for the National Committee and a 31-year veteran at the Social Security Administration — is here to answer your questions about Social Security.
You can either search our archives for valuable advice on a broad range of concerns or submit your question here.
This week's question is: How can I change the name on my Social Security card back to my birth name?
Click here to read the answer.
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| Poll Results! |
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The results from our recent poll are fascinating, but they’re only available to National Committee members! Join the National Committee today and we’ll immediately give you the results of this important poll.
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Eleanor's Hope
Learn more about our intiative to educate and advocate on critical women’s issues. |
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Join Now
Your support sustains our campaigns in Washington to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare. |
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Coronavirus
Find valuable information, essential tips and warnings about COVID-19-related scams. |
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| Biden's infrastructure plan builds a stronger foundation for seniors |
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Infrastructure is not the only thing that’s aging in America. Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65. And like countless communities and across the U.S., our growing senior population would also greatly benefit from transformational investments in our nation’s infrastructure. (May 11, 2021, The Hill, Written by U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04) and NCPSSM President & CEO Max Richtman)
Read More →
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| The Growing Demand for Senior Caregiving |
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President Biden's infrastructure plan includes "$400 billion for seniors to receive care in their homes and communities, which most prefer, is safer, and is less expensive than nursing homes," NCPSSM president Max Richtman tells Baltimore radio host, Larry Young. (May 5, 2021, WOLB, Audio Clip with NCPSSM President & CEO Max Richtman)
Listen Here →
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| On-time delivery plunges at U.S. Postal Service, with 1 in 5 pieces of mail arriving late |
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The U.S. Postal Service's delivery stumbles drew scrutiny last year when an influx of election mail and operational changes caused service to deteriorate. Yet while the crush of ballots has passed, those woes have only worsened: 1 in 5 pieces of mail across the U.S. was delivered late to households and businesses in the first three months of 2021, according to postal agency data. (May 10, 2021, CBS News, Aimee Picchi)
Read More →
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| Biden health official says COVID-19 vaccine booster shots will be free |
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This has been a good week for millions of older Americans. Not only did President Biden say the government will purchase another 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (there were already enough doses in the pipeline to vaccinate every citizen over age 16, and this looks to be icing on the cake), but he also got his giant $1.9 trillion pandemic stimulus package passed. (May 11, 2021, The Hill, Nathaniel Weixel)
Read More →
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