Insurance should pay for kids’ needed care

Can you imagine what it would be like if glasses for kids cost more than $2,500? What if you had to replace them every five to seven years (at the same price)? Then add in about $300 to $450 each year for the eye exams and replacing the “arms” as the kids grew.

Don't you agree this is something insurance should cover? Do you think Iowa taxpayers should have to pay for everyone's glasses instead?

Well, Iowa, you are paying for it - but not eyeglasses. Hearing aids. House Study Bill 682 proposes to mandate insurers must cover hearing aids and audiological services for children. Otherwise, the state budget right now is paying for hearing aids for Iowa's children. And parents don't know from year to year if the money will be renewed.

Please contact your legislator to insist on this bill's progression. This basic “minimum of care” could mean the difference between kids reaching their potential and contributing to society and their being marginalized, criminalized or truly left behind.

Your legislators, not insurance companies, are responsible for social justice; it's time they were reminded of that by their citizens. You can be positive that the insurance lobbyists already have made and kept their own appointments.

Marcella Lehman

Marion