(TRENTON) – Older adults are more likely to need eyeglasses, hearing aids or dentures as they age. However, these devices are not covered under Medicare, and many seniors struggle to keep up with rising healthcare costs.
Assembly Democrats Annette Quijano (D-Union), Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen) and Britnee Timberlake (D-Essex, Passaic) sponsor a measure (AR-86) to urge the United States Congress to pass legislation to provide coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures under Medicare. The legislation passed the full Assembly on Thursday 74-1-4 and was filed with the New Jersey Secretary of State.
The sponsors released the following joint statement:
“Our healthcare needs grow and change as we get older. Seniors on a fixed income may find it difficult to manage health expenses not covered by Medicare, including eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures, which all can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
“These assistive devices help seniors restore their dignity and improve their quality of life. It’s time they were covered under Medicare.”