- Target:
- The U.S. House of Representatives
- Region:
- United States of America
The bill in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1646) would provide a tax credit towards the purchase of each hearing aid of up to $500 per hearing aid, available once every 5 years. It would be available to 1) individuals age 55 and over, or 2) those purchasing a hearing aid for a dependent.
The House bill excludes coverage for those with incomes over $200,000/year. The bill in the Senate (S. 1019) would provide the same $500 credit but would cover all age groups.
What is the extent of the problem with hearing loss in the U.S.?
Hearing loss is among the most prevalent birth defects in America, affecting 3 infants per 1,000 births. 1.2 million children under 18 have a hearing loss.
For adults, hearing loss usually occurs gradually, but increases dramatically with age. 10 million older Americans have age-related hearing loss.
One of the goals of "Healthy People 2010," an HHS-led program, is to 'increase the number of deaf or hard-of-hearing people who use adaptive devices, such as hearing aids.' The Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit is the most cost-effective means to accomplish this goal.
I am writing to you to ask you to support the H.R. 1646 Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act. Please help move this important piece of legislation through the House Ways and Means Committee. Now is the time to bring our seniors’ health to the forefront.
According to the 2000 census, the number of senior citizens had increased to 35 million Americans. Population experts estimate that more than 50 million Americans — about 17 percent of the population — will be 65 or older in 2020. These seniors need your support. This bill already has substantial support, including seniors across the nation, the AARP, A.G. Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, American Academy of Audiology, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Better Hearing Institute, etc.
I hope you will show your support for these efforts by moving the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit Act through the committee and adding your vote in favor of giving a tax credit to the Americans in need of hearing aids.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it