House Insurance and Financial Institutions
Representative Schultz, Chair
Testimony in support of HB 2125
March 13, 2007

Chairperson Schultz and members of this Committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide written testimony to you regarding HB 2125, an act concerning Insurance; providing coverage for hearing aids.

I am Jennifer Schwartz, the Executive Director of the Kansas Association of Centers for Independent Living (KACIL).  KACIL represents Centers for Independent Living (CILs) across Kansas.  KACIL is driven by the following mission statement:  To coordinate efforts within Kansas and the United States to the extent that these efforts will further independent living for all.  KACIL will advocate for the civil rights of Kansans with disabilities. 

Centers for Independent Living provide services to people with any disability, of all ages.  CILs provide information and assistance to businesses and other entities in the community to increase opportunities for people with disabilities to live, work, and play in all aspects of community life.  

KACIL rises in strong support of HB 2125.  This bill would be a significant step in breaking down one of the many barriers in the life of individuals with disabilities.  CILs are often called to try to find funding for someone who can’t afford the equipment they need such as hearing aids. 

HB 2125 provides an avenue for individuals with disabilities to provide for themselves.  In our country we all work hard to afford our health insurance premiums, health insurance must be responsive to what the user needs. 

Often items such as hearing aids are such an essential part of these individuals lives.  This is the avenue to communication which is necessary in school, in our communities, and even at work.  

Kansans with hearing loss have private insurance, and now they need it to cover the services they require.

KACIL rises in strong support of HB 2125.  It is important for Kansas to continue to look at all the ways of strengthening services individuals can access in the community, and ways to break down the barriers facing individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for your time.  Please contact me with any additional questions.

Sincerley,

 

Jennifer Schwartz