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Update on WI Hearing Aid Legislation
Great news courtesy of LetKidsHear.org regarding new insurance coverage related to the WI Hearing Aid Bill.
A great example of how a policy change can have a ripple effect:
The bill that was passed to cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for private and group health plans in Wisconsin did not impact the BadgerCare Benchmark Plan. It is my understanding that, the state legislature can not legally impose insurance mandates on 1) Self Insured Plans OR 2) Medicaid related plans. Prior to our bill, the BadgerCare Standard Plan did cover hearing aids and cochlear implants, however, the Benchmark Plan did not. The Benchmark Plan is coverage for families with a higher income level than the Standard Plan. The Department of Health Services (DHS) chose to change the Benchmark Plan to mirror the intent of the law that was passed!
"Hearing Loss & Beyond" TV Program to Feature CCHD
CCHD and cochlear implants will be featured in an upcoming TV program produced by the West Allis/West Milwaukee Lions Club called "Hearing Loss and Beyond." This program includes interviews with several families and staff members from the Center.
This program will only be aired in West Allis, on Time Warner Cable Channel 14
HEARING LOSS AND BEYOND
Starting on August 12th, 2010 UNTIL September 9th, 2010
Every Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and again at 9:00 p.m.
Every Wednesday at 3:00 a.m. and again 2:00 p.m.
Hearing Aid Compatibility Survey
The Wireless Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (Wireless RERC) monitors this regulation and is interested in how it impacts the usability of cell phones for people who use hearing aids and cochlear implants.
Wireless RERC is asking people who use hearing aids or cochlear implants to participate in a very brief online survey regarding your use of your cell phone. They plan to conduct this survey annually to track any changes in cell phone and hearing aid compatibility. Your feedback is important in making sure that manufacturers address the needs of people with hearing loss.
Plus, when you take the HAC survey you will also be entered into a drawing for a $250 Amazon gift certificate. So, visit http://www.wirelessrerc.org/news/take-the-2010-hac-survey to get started! CCHD Now Offering Video Remote Interpreting Services
As of September 1, the Center for Communication, Hearing & Deafness will be offering a new service option through its sign language interpreting program -- Video Remote Interpreting. Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) is a state-of-the art service that uses video conferencing technology and a high-speed internet connection to provide long distance sign language interpreting services for individuals who are Deaf. While not appropriate for every situation, VRI can provide easy, fast and economical access to qualified sign language interpreters, especially in situations when in-person sign language interpreters are not available, or in rural areas where interpreting services are less accessible. VRI services will initially be offered during limited hours and may be expanded as demand for this service grows.
In the United States, it is estimated that more than 31 million Americans have hearing loss, including more than 500,000 in the state of Wisconsin. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, American Sign Language is said to be the fourth most commonly used language in the United States. For those who use sign language as their primary method of communication, professional interpreting services are critical to ensure that these individuals have full and equal access to employment, health care, government services and public events. Sign language interpreting services are considered a reasonable accommodation under federal laws including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Video Remote Interpreting offers a cost-effective way for businesses and organizations to provide reasonable accommodations for Deaf individuals, and can be ideal for those living in rural areas of the state or for situations such as business meetings, doctor appointments and job interviews.
For more information, or to find out if Video Remote Interpreting is right for your interpreting needs, call CommunicationLink, the Center’s statewide interpreter coordination service at 414-604-7231 / 800-542-9838 or email commlink@cchdwi.org.
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