Dear ADA Members,

I am pleased to announce that Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) has introduced H.R. 1646, the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act of 2009. This bill, which was introduced on March 19th, with 37 original, bi-partisan co-sponsors, would assist millions of people in the U.S. who need hearing instruments by providing a $500 tax credit per hearing aid for children and those age 55 or older.

Please take the following link to view the bill in its entirety:

» View H.R. 1646 Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Bill

While I am optimistic that this legislation, reintroduced by Rep. McCarthy, will pass, I also recognize that without member action, this bill will once again die (past versions of the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act did not make it out of committee) without even so much as a vote. ADA has supported similar legislation, introduced in the 107th-110th Congress, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a credit against income tax for the purchase of hearing aids.

I urge you to contact your Representative today to educate him/her about what this bill can do to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans by easing the financial burden that has resulted from the fact that hearing aids are not covered under the Medicare program or by many health insurance plans.

Additionally, it would be helpful for each of us to encourage our patients to contact their legislators, as their voices can often be more influential for encouraging action. You may wish to have a sample letter and information sheet available at your practice locations for your patients' convenience.

It is important for us to speak out now about the negative impact that untreated hearing loss has on the individual and on society as a whole—and to serve as a voice for our patients, and for those who are not our patients because without the assistance that this bill would provide, they are simply unable to afford the hearing care that they need.

Please visit http://www.hearingaidtaxcredit.org/ to find out more information about the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act of 2009 (H.R. 1646) and to track this very important legislation. Corresponding legislation is expected to be introduced in the Senate soon—we will keep you posted on that as information becomes available!

Sincerely,
Charlie

Charlie Stone, Au.D.,
ADA President
Academy of Doctors of Audiology

DISCLAIMER: The ADA is dedicated to leadership in advancing practitioner excellence, high ethical standards, professional autonomy, hearing technology, and sound business practices in the provision of quality audiological care.