Federal and State Legislation Offers Help for Citizens with Hearing Impairments

More than 37 million Americans suffer from a hearing impairment, and yet many of these citizens find that they cannot afford the services they need in order to hear well. That is why I am pleased that the Senate approved my resolution to call on Congress to enact the federal Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act.

Senate Resolution 44 is a step toward getting help for citizens who find it difficult to afford the hearing aids they so desperately need. This proposed federal act would provide a $500 income tax credit for the unreimbursed costs associated with the purchase of a qualified hearing aid. The credit would be limited to individuals over the age of 55 and to certain dependents and could be claimed every five years.

This federal tax credit would go a long way toward making hearing aids more affordable for senior citizens and many of the most vulnerable individuals in our society. No one should be deprived of good hearing because of their finances. This kind of financial help at tax time would make a significant difference in the lives of many American citizens, and it deserves to be passed into law without any further delay.

I am also working to pass legislation at the state level to help citizens with hearing impairments. I have introduced Senate Bill 403 which would give a state tax credit for the purchase of hearing aids. My bill would allow a credit for the taxpayer who buys a hearing aid for himself or herself, for his or her spouse, or for his or her dependent. The tax credit would be equal to the amount of the hearing aid. The credit would become a refund if the amount of the credit for the purchase exceeds the tax liability for the taxpayer in that tax year. The portion of the tax credit that exceeds the tax liability would be refunded to the taxpayer.

I have also sponsored a two-bill package to provide insurance coverage for audiological screening, diagnosis, treatment and costs of hearing aids for individuals who suffer from hearing loss. Senate Bills 178 and 179 will ensure that all health care organizations in Michigan provide coverage for those who are certified as deaf or severely hearing-impaired by a licensed physician or audiologist.

My bills will help improve the quality of life for many of Michigan’s senior citizens by making sure that grandparents can hear their grandchild’s laugh and that old friends can easily talk and enjoy each other’s company. My bills will also help children who suffer from hearing impairments. Children may do better in school if they can hear their teachers better. Help with the costs of treatment will offer much needed assistance to their families in these tough economic times.

Hearing loss is a treatable condition and no one should go without the ability to hear because of financial concerns. My colleagues here in the State Legislature and the in the federal government can do much to help families and individuals dealing with hearing impairments. I will continue working hard to see that these bills are signed into law so that our citizens can get the assistance they need to improve their quality of life.

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Sen. Hunter represents the 5th district, which is comprised of Northwest Detroit, Dearborn Heights and Inkster. He serves as Minority Vice Chair of the Banking & Financial Institutions and the Homeland Security & Emerging Technologies Committees. He is also a member of the Commerce & Tourism and the Economic Development & Regulatory Reform Committees.