Our son was recently diagnosed with a hearing impairment, making it incredibly difficult for him to hear while at school. This not only impacts his ability to learn but also poses significant safety risks when he is outside and unable to hear warnings or approaching dangers.  This impacts his ability for inclusion when learning a sport, playground directions and even crossing the street.  It breaks my heart that the basic need for our son to hear and thrive in life is dismissed by health insurance policies. Capital Blue Cross of PA considers a pediatric hearing aid NON-ESSENTIAL !  With that, he will not receive equitable educational and recreational experiences as that of his peers, placing him in a severe speech and cognitive disadvantage.  In addition to this injustice,  the full financial burden of $3500-$7,000 falls on the family every 3-4 years as the device needs adjustment and replacement as the child grows and hearing needs shift. 

Currently, Capital Blue Cross in Pennsylvania categorizes hearing aids as non-essential, a classification that is both unjust and shortsighted. Hearing aids are essential medical devices for children like our son, who rely on them to connect with the world in meaningful ways. The lack of insurance coverage places an unnecessary financial burden on families who are already navigating the challenges of raising a child with a hearing impairment. In addition, this places the child at a learning disadvantage as they are unable to maintain an equal pace of education as their peers. 

In Pennsylvania alone, thousands of children suffer from hearing impairments. Without coverage for hearing aids, many of these children fall behind in school, struggle with communication, and face social isolation. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), about two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with a detectable level of hearing loss in one or both ears. This significant number reflects a widespread need for accessible hearing aids.  
Capital Blue Cross has the responsibility to support families and children by recognizing hearing aids as a medical necessity. By changing their policy to include coverage for pediatric hearing aids, Capital Blue Cross would not only align with humane healthcare practices but also empower families and children and provide financial and educational equality for both. Offering this coverage would allow children with hearing loss to excel in school and lead safer, fuller lives.

We are calling on Capital Blue Cross of Pennsylvania to revise their coverage policies immediately. We ask them to prioritize children's health and success ABOVE  their profit margins by recognizing that a child's right to hear is in no way non-essential.   Families should not have to choose between financial stability and their child's ability to hear, develop and learn cognitively and remain physically safe. 

Currently there's is a bill that has been introduced by PA Representative Liz Hanbidge encouraging coverage of the same. HB 1670 acts as a comprehensive mandate to close the gap for families using private insurance policies.  Clearly there are others trying to fight for these children.

Please join us in demanding that Capital Blue Cross of PA provide insurance coverage for pediatric hearing aids. Every child deserves the chance to hear, learn, and grow as well as be afforded the same safety opportunities as any other child who has full hearing capacity.

Please sign this petition to help give children their fundamental right to have a chance to listen, learn and remain safe, opening up a world of equality with those of their peers.