Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman ANNETTE QUIJANO
District 20 (Union)
Assemblyman CRAIG J. COUGHLIN
District 19 (Middlesex)
SYNOPSIS
Memorializes Congress to provide Medicare coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution memorializing Congress to provide Medicare coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures.
Whereas, A large portion of the population in the United States wears eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aids; with the aging of the population, a growing number of older Americans are likely to have greater health care needs, and, in particular, will need to purchase eyeglasses, hearing aids, or dentures; and
Whereas, Despite the availability of Medicare and Medicaid, many older Americans still are unable to meet their health care needs for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures; and
Whereas, As people age, eyesight diminishes and the loss of focusing ability that accompanies aging makes it difficult to read; nearly 100% of the population 55 years of age or older is affected by this condition, known as presbyopia, which can be remedied by wearing reading eyeglasses or eyeglasses with bifocal lenses; and
Whereas, Approximately 42% of the elderly Medicare population have moderate or profound hearing loss and the average price of a hearing aid is $800, with prices ranging from about $500 to $5,000; and
Whereas, Most senior citizens of this country suffer from periodontitis, the inflammation of the gums and bones supporting the teeth, and many have lost their teeth and need to repair, or be fitted with, dentures; and
Whereas, Medicare coverage does not cover the cost of eyeglasses, hearing aids, or dentures; and
Whereas, Senior citizens confront increasing medical, hospital, and other health care-related expenses and often have to meet these costs on a fixed income; and
Whereas, Coverage of the cost of eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures would provide access to eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures for elderly Americans and help improve their quality of life, restore their dignity, and alleviate the financial burden many senior citizens face when they need assistive devices to remain vibrant members of their community; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House respectfully memorializes the Congress of the United States to enact legislation to provide Medicare coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk of the General Assembly, shall be transmitted to the presiding officers of the Congress of the United States and each of the members of the United States Congress elected from the State of New Jersey.
STATEMENT
This resolution respectfully memorializes the United States Congress to enact legislation to provide Medicare coverage for eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures.