I am writing to encourage you to co-sponsor Ally's Act, H.R. 4606, which is a bipartisan bill sponsored by Congressmen Joe Neguse (D-CO) and co-sponsored by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).

Ally’s Act is a bill that would help children and adults, who are left out by their private insurers, be able to obtain coverage for Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (OIDs) and Cochlear Implants. Even though these specialized hearing device implant systems are often covered by private insurers, it’s the same private insurers who also deny coverage of these same hearing devices. When private insurers cover some insured and yet deny others who are also insured under the same or similar plans - This is discrimination among those insured. Especially, when specific medically necessary devices are purposely “excluded from coverage”.

Ally's Act would ensure private insurance coverage for bone-anchored hearing systems (OIDs/BAHA) and cochlear implants for children and adults from birth to age 64. There are approximately a total number of 400,000 users of these devices based on US market sales - half of these individuals are already covered by their private insurance for these very hearing devices. The problem is the remaining individuals who are denied coverage by these same private insurers who already recognize that these devices should be covered. BAHA/OID and CI hearing devices are often the only hearing devices these individuals can wear due to having specific hearing loss types that do not allow them to benefit from "traditional hearing aids". These specialized hearing device systems are medically necessary and individuals must qualify as candidates for them based on a medical diagnosis. Ally's Act would make coverage consistent.

It would cost private insurers .02 cents per person/per month to cover the services under Ally’s Act! The cost is low, the benefit is high with profound positive impacts for those who would be covered by this bill. I hope you will give it your attention to support and co-sponsor Ally’s Act.