LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Roughly 400 children are born with hearing impairments in Michigan each year, and a House Bill introduced in Lansing aims to make hearing aids more accessible to children who need them.

State Rep. Dale Zorn (R-Ida) delivered testimony before the House Insurance and Financial Services Committee today in support of House Bills 4944. It would ensure Michigan children’s health insurance covers treatment for hearing loss through age 19, and up to $3,000 in coverage per hearing aid every 36 months.

MORE NEWS: School Employees Paying For Health Coverage, But It Isn’t As Much As The Rest Of Us

“Much like the loss of vision, hearing disabilities create a profound disadvantage for the development of our Michigan youth,” said Zorn during today’s testimony. “However, unlike vision where insurance companies offer vision coverage for children, some insurance companies do not offer hearing coverage, putting our children at a disadvantage.

“Early intervention of hearing aids for children significantly increases academic success and decreases long-term costs related to educational interventions and mental health services.”

According to Zorn’s office, insurance actuaries and underwriters estimate the increase to policyholder’s premium costs would be just 10 to 17 cents per month. In addition, he says the bill would save the state government approximately $650,000 per individual in lifetime support.

Zorn introduced the measure alongside his colleague, Rep. Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills). Her bill, House Bill 4936, ensures coverage is available for audiological exams, hearing aid evaluations and maintenance, and audiologist or speech-language pathology services.

“Child access to hearing aids isn’t a partisan issue, I’m pleased to have Rep. Steckloff’s bipartisan support in our mutual effort,” Zorn said.