Increase Coverage for Cochlear Implants in Ontario to 90% – Hearing Shouldn't be a luxury
Increase Coverage for Cochlear Implants in Ontario to 90% – Hearing Shouldn't be a luxury
The Issue
Petition: Increase Cochlear Implant Coverage in Ontario for All Age Groups
I am a mother of two children with profound hearing loss. The only way they can access sound and spoken language is through cochlear implants—requiring two devices per child.
This petition calls for increased coverage for cochlear implant replacement devices in Ontario for all age groups.
Across Canada, coverage varies significantly: British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan provide 80-90% coverage, while Ontario lags behind at approximately 45%.
Let me explain this issue from the perspective of a parent receiving a life-altering diagnosis: your child will need cochlear implants for life, and you're living on an average income.
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FOR CHILDREN
Ontario requires families to choose between two paths for their children with hearing loss: American Sign Language (ASL) or spoken language using hearing technology like cochlear implants. This decision falls under the Infant Hearing Program (IHP), funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, led by Minister Michael Parsa.
Parents are told that the Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers 100% of the cost of the first devices and 75% of the cost for replacements. However, this promise is misleading.
Ontario caps replacement coverage at $5,444 per device, less than half the actual cost.
Each device costs $12,000+ (or $25,000 for a pair) before necessary accessories like spare batteries and waterproof cases.
Warranties last only three years, and children—being children—often require frequent repairs and replacements. We’ve made dozens of warranty claims.
As manufacturers discontinue support for older devices, families are forced into costly upgrades. After ADP's contribution, families are left paying over $12,000 per upgrade per child.
For my two boys, who are only 1.5 years apart, this means upgrading one child’s devices every 1.5 years just to stay within warranty. Essential accessories, and annual maintenance costs—over $1,300 per child, per year—are also out-of-pocket expenses.
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OTHER PROVINCES DO BETTER
Saskatchewan and British Columbia cover nearly all costs except a co-pay of $840 per device for replacements.
In Ontario, ADP's coverage amounts to only 45%, not the advertised 75%.
Private insurance offers little help, often capping coverage at $500-$750 annually, barely enough to cover a year’s worth of batteries. If any coverage exists at all.
Families unable to afford replacements must either go into debt or leave their children without functioning devices.
---
HEARING SHOULD NOT BE A LUXURY
Hearing is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. We must advocate for changes to the Assistive Devices Program. Help us by:
1. Signing this petition to demand better coverage.
2. Contacting your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to express that current support is inadequate.
Ontario, you can do better.
Our kids deserve better. Our adults deserve better. Let’s make hearing accessible for everyone!
Global News Coverage May 23, 2023
Longer News coverage:
Preview GLOBAL NEWS 20 seconds introduction
GLOBAL NEWS 2.5 minute segment
Media inquiries and Government contacts:
Erica Hall
helloericab@gmail.com
18,148
The Issue
Petition: Increase Cochlear Implant Coverage in Ontario for All Age Groups
I am a mother of two children with profound hearing loss. The only way they can access sound and spoken language is through cochlear implants—requiring two devices per child.
This petition calls for increased coverage for cochlear implant replacement devices in Ontario for all age groups.
Across Canada, coverage varies significantly: British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan provide 80-90% coverage, while Ontario lags behind at approximately 45%.
Let me explain this issue from the perspective of a parent receiving a life-altering diagnosis: your child will need cochlear implants for life, and you're living on an average income.
---
FOR CHILDREN
Ontario requires families to choose between two paths for their children with hearing loss: American Sign Language (ASL) or spoken language using hearing technology like cochlear implants. This decision falls under the Infant Hearing Program (IHP), funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, led by Minister Michael Parsa.
Parents are told that the Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) covers 100% of the cost of the first devices and 75% of the cost for replacements. However, this promise is misleading.
Ontario caps replacement coverage at $5,444 per device, less than half the actual cost.
Each device costs $12,000+ (or $25,000 for a pair) before necessary accessories like spare batteries and waterproof cases.
Warranties last only three years, and children—being children—often require frequent repairs and replacements. We’ve made dozens of warranty claims.
As manufacturers discontinue support for older devices, families are forced into costly upgrades. After ADP's contribution, families are left paying over $12,000 per upgrade per child.
For my two boys, who are only 1.5 years apart, this means upgrading one child’s devices every 1.5 years just to stay within warranty. Essential accessories, and annual maintenance costs—over $1,300 per child, per year—are also out-of-pocket expenses.
---
OTHER PROVINCES DO BETTER
Saskatchewan and British Columbia cover nearly all costs except a co-pay of $840 per device for replacements.
In Ontario, ADP's coverage amounts to only 45%, not the advertised 75%.
Private insurance offers little help, often capping coverage at $500-$750 annually, barely enough to cover a year’s worth of batteries. If any coverage exists at all.
Families unable to afford replacements must either go into debt or leave their children without functioning devices.
---
HEARING SHOULD NOT BE A LUXURY
Hearing is not a privilege reserved for the wealthy. We must advocate for changes to the Assistive Devices Program. Help us by:
1. Signing this petition to demand better coverage.
2. Contacting your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to express that current support is inadequate.
Ontario, you can do better.
Our kids deserve better. Our adults deserve better. Let’s make hearing accessible for everyone!
Global News Coverage May 23, 2023
Longer News coverage:
Preview GLOBAL NEWS 20 seconds introduction
GLOBAL NEWS 2.5 minute segment
Media inquiries and Government contacts:
Erica Hall
helloericab@gmail.com
18,148
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on May 23, 2023