Raise Cochlear Implant Devices Coverage in Ontario to 90% - Hearing is not for the rich
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
PAOV – this petition is taking off on Change.org, and we think you might be interested in adding your name. Sign now to help:
Raise Cochlear Implant Devices Coverage in Ontario to 90% - Hearing is not for the rich
Erica B started this petition to Doug Ford, and it now has 7,050 signatures
Sign now with a click
... I am the mother of two children with profound hearing loss. The only device available to provide them with access to sound and spoken language is bilateral cochlear implants, this is two devices.
Ontario requires families to choose a path of ASL (sign language) or spoken language using hearing technology like a cochlear implant. This falls under the Infant Hearing Program, "IHP", funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Minister Michael Parsa.
During this decision process, parents are told that the Ontario Assisted Devices Program (ADP) will cover 100% of the first devices, but 75% of the cost for future replacements of external processors devices.
Unfortunately, this is not true.
Ontario has a cap of $5,444 per replacement device. This represents less than half the cost of a new device. Each device costs $12,000+ ($25,000 for a pair). The warranty ends after 3 years. Children are hard on their devices, we have already made 4 warranty claims in under 1 year.
Manufacturers of cochlear implant processors eventually stop supporting these devices, meaning that replacement parts cannot be obtained and an upgrade becomes forced.
One device is over $12,000, before spare batteries and other accessories like waterproof cases. (There’s a lot of accessories that simply are not optional)
After the Assisted devices program payment, we will still be paying over $12,000 per upgrade. With two boys, only 1.5 years apart in ages, we will be upgrading one of the boys every 1.5 years to stay within warranty.
Our ongoing annual cost of maintenance items are over $1,300 per child, per year. This is from our own pocket.
Saskatchewan and BC covers all but the co-pay of $840 per device for the cost of replacement processors.
Thanks to the dollar cap in Ontario, our coverage is approximately 45%. NOT 75%!
Private insurance generally does not cover this, or provides a maximum of $500-$750 per year (the cost of one set of batteries, which last about a year).
Families who cannot afford replacements either take on debt or their deaf children do without.
Hearing is not a luxury for those with privilege!
Help us advocate for changes to the Assisted Devices program by signing this petition. Let your member of provincial parliament know that the current coverage is not enough.
Let’s tell the IHP (Infant Hearing Program) that they need to help us with this advocacy!
Ontario, you can do better.
Our kids deserve better.
Global News Coverage May 23, 2023
Longer News coverage:
Preview GLOBAL NEWS 20 seconds introduction
GLOBAL NEWS 2.5 minute segment
Media inquiries and Government contacts:
Erica Hall
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cell: 647-801-3484
Sign now with a click
How useful was this email?
1 2 3 4 5Not Useful
Useful
You received this email because it’s a trending petition among people who have supported similar petitions to you. Please, let us know if you’re not interested in this petition.
·