Weinstein Celebrates the Signing of Madeline's Law

 This week, state Senator Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) celebrated Governor DeWine’s signing of Madeline’s Law, a landmark piece of legislation that will ensure minors in Ohio have access to hearing aids through insurance coverage.

“I believe that all Ohioans deserve access to affordable healthcare, and that includes essential devices like hearing aids for our children,” said Weinstein. “The high costs associated with hearing aids should never force a family to make impossible choices or go without the support their children need.”

Madeline’s Law, which was first introduced by then-Representative Weinstein and Representative Allison Russo in 2019, will require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for minors under 21 years of age. The legislation provides up to $2,500 in coverage every four years for children who require hearing aids, a vital tool for addressing hearing impairments that are often considered "cosmetic" and therefore unaffordable for many families.

The bill’s passage marks the culmination of years of advocacy, including support from parents, medical professionals, and interest groups. In the face of the high costs of hearing aids, this law is a critical step toward removing financial barriers to essential healthcare.

“We’ve worked for years alongside parents, healthcare advocates, and children’s organizations to make this a reality,” Weinstein continued. “Today, Ohio’s children are guaranteed the right to hear, and that is a huge victory for families across the state.”

Madeline’s Law is named in honor of a young Ohio resident whose personal experience highlighted the financial struggles families face when hearing aids are not covered by insurance. Thanks to this new law, Madeline and other children with hearing impairments will now have access to the tools they need to thrive.

With the signing of this important bill into law, Senator Weinstein is proud of the progress made in advancing healthcare equity for Ohio’s youth and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on families across the state.