Though this page is concerned that the increase of state health insurance mandates can drive up health care costs, government prodding is appropriate in some cases. This is one of them.

Hearing loss can seriously inhibit communication, decreasing a person's productivity and resulting in isolation and depression. It is a medical condition that deserves treatment.

A bill introduced by state Sen. Jim Alesi and Assemblyman Joe Morelle would require health insurance companies to provide insurance coverage up to $1,000 for all New Yorkers 16 and older every three years. People younger than 16 would be eligible for new hearing aids every two years. May, which is National Better Hearing and Speech Month, would be a good time for state action.

Unlike many proposals for health insurance mandates, this one has a finite cost. And the number of people in the insurance pool who suffer hearing loss is not relatively high.

Seven other states, including Connecticut and Rhode Island, have similar requirements for insurance coverage for hearing aids. The Council for Affordable Health Insurance, a research and advocacy group for insurance carriers, estimates that this mandate has had less than a 1 percent impact on their health care premiums. Given the low overall impact, it makes sense to spread the cost of hearing aids around.

This kind of coverage isn't just for the elderly. It may become even more important as more people experience hearing loss from blasting iPods and other in-the-ear devices.

Medical insurance ought to help people who are losing their hearing.

By The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060512/OPINION04/605120390/1041/OPINION