Tuesday, February 19, 2008
For More Information:
Rep. Tyler Olson, 515-281-3221
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE FOR
CHILDREN WITH HEARING LOSS
Des Moines, IA - State Representative Tyler Olson of Cedar Rapids announced $238,500 in new funding available to cover uninsured or underinsured Iowa children with hearing loss. Families who have children with hearing loss can now apply for funding from the Iowa Department of Public Health to purchase hearing aids and audiological services they may not otherwise be able to afford.
"Hearing loss in children can be extremely expensive because the rapid physical growth in kids requires new hearing devices. This new funding will help parents provide the assistance their child needs and deserves,” said Olson.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 12,000 babies are born in the U.S. with hearing loss. In Iowa, an estimated 156 children ages 0 to 3 are diagnosed with congenital or late onset hearing loss each year.
Iowa families without insurance or those who have been denied claims for hearing aids or audiological services may apply for the funding. Claims will be accepted for services retroactive to July 1, 2007 and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/iaehdi and click on “Parents” or contact Tammy O’Hollearn, State Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Coordinator, at (800) 383-3826.
### | 
