On January 2, 2025, Governor Mike DeWine signed Madeline’s Law into effect, marking an important milestone for families of children with hearing impairments across Ohio. This legislation became operational on April 2, 2025, and directly addresses the financial hurdles associated with hearing aid accessibility for young individuals. By mandating expanded insurance coverage, Madeline’s Law seeks to improve the communication, quality of life, and educational opportunities for children who are deaf or hearing impaired.
What Madeline’s Law Covers
Madeline’s Law has introduced vital provisions that ensure hearing aid accessibility for children under 21. Health benefit plans are now required to cover the cost of one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 48 months, with a maximum coverage of $2,500 per device. This applies to children who are certified as deaf or hearing-impaired by a licensed hearing health professional.
Equally important, the law mandates coverage for all related services prescribed or recommended for hearing aids. These services include professional fittings, maintenance, and follow-up care provided by hearing health professionals. By including these critical services, Madeline’s Law ensures that children receive the high-quality support necessary to maximize the effectiveness of their hearing aids.
What Health Plans Are Covered?
Madeline’s Law applies to an extensive range of health benefit plans, as defined under section 3922.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. This includes both private insurance plans and nonfederal government health plans that are delivered, issued for delivery, modified, or renewed after April 2, 2025. With this broad application, families across Ohio will gain access to hearing aid support regardless of their insurance provider.
Why Hearing Aid Coverage Matters
Hearing aids play a vital role in helping children who are deaf or hearing-impaired to develop communication skills, succeed academically, and form meaningful connections with others. However, the cost of hearing aids and related care can create significant financial challenges for families, especially considering that hearing aids often need to be replaced or upgraded every few years due to changing needs or technological advances.
Before Madeline’s Law, many families struggled to afford these essential devices, leaving some children without the tools they needed to listen, understand, and thrive. The new legislation offers much-needed financial relief, eliminating barriers to access for hearing aids and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Professional Standards on Hearing Aids
Another important provision of Madeline’s Law is its requirement for professional standards to be established regarding hearing aids. This task has been assigned to the appropriate Board, which will ensure uniformity and quality in the distribution and use of these devices across the state. By creating statewide standards, Ohio will not only improve the consistency of care but also maintain the highest level of support for children who need hearing assistance.
How Madeline’s Law Benefits Families
For families in Ohio, Madeline’s Law represents a step forward in creating an inclusive healthcare system that prioritizes equity and accessibility. By removing financial obstacles to obtaining hearing aids, this legislation opens doors to improved communication for children, strengthens their ability to participate fully in school and social activities, and empowers them to pursue their dreams without limitations tied to hearing impairment.
Parents will benefit from being able to focus on their child’s long-term growth and progress, rather than worrying about the cost of hearing aids. Meanwhile, healthcare providers in Ohio can now work with greater assurance that their young patients have access to the essential devices and services they need.
Looking Ahead
Madeline’s Law highlights Ohio’s commitment to addressing the needs of its residents, particularly children who face physical or developmental challenges. This legislation not only relieves financial pressure on families but also reinforces the importance of ensuring equitable access to healthcare tools that improve one’s quality of life. By implementing these changes, Ohio is setting an example for other states to enhance their support for hearing-impaired children nationwide.
