AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - The Maine Senate has agreed with Gov. Paul LePage to kill a bill that would have expanded insurance coverage for hearing aids.
The Senate voted 23-12, falling short of the two-thirds support needed to override the governor’s veto.
The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Linda Valentino of Saco would’ve mandated that insurers provide coverage for hearing aids up to the age of 26. Currently, it’s only required up to age 18.
LePage said that the measure would’ve increased monthly premium costs, making plans less affordable for all Mainers.
Valentino says in a statement that many young adults don’t get coverage for hearing aids, which can be expensive, meaning that many don’t have access to the devices “that would have a profoundly positive impact on the quality of their lives.”
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