Advocacy is a Powerful Tool
HLAA is busy on a state and federal level advocating to support the rights of those with hearing loss.
The HLAA Boulder Chapter advocates for communication access, affordable hearing health care and equal opportunity for the 50 million Americans with hearing loss. We are happy to work with lawmakers, business owners and other decision-makers to ensure people with hearing loss have the same access to health care, education, employment, entertainment and public spaces as the rest of the community.
Together, we can create lasting change and build communities where people with hearing loss can fully participate and thrive. Below are issues that the HLAA Boulder Chapter are supporting on a local and national level.
State Issues
Supporting Ally’s Act
Ally’s Act is an important advocacy effort inspired by Colorado native Ally Tumblin and her mother, Melissa Tumblin, founder and executive director of Ear Community, a Colorado-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with microtia, aural atresia, and hearing loss. After Ally’s insurance denied coverage for her bone-anchored hearing device, Melissa and Ally became advocates for legislation that would require private insurers to cover medically necessary hearing devices.
For HLAA Boulder, supporting Ally’s Act is especially meaningful. As a Colorado-based organization, Ear Community and the Tumblin family are part of our local hearing loss community, and Ally’s Act aligns closely with HLAA’s commitment to advocacy, access, and ensuring that people with hearing loss can obtain the technology they need to communicate and participate fully in life. HLAA currently supports Ally’s Act (H.R. 4606 / S. 3400), which would expand insurance coverage for medically necessary hearing devices.
See below to take action on Ally’s Act.
Federal Issues
Support the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act
The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500), would require Medicare to start covering hearing aids and exams for eligible beneficiaries in 2026. Urge your representative to support this bill.
Act Now
Tell your representatives to make hearing access more affordable!
The Hearing Aid Tax Credit Act (H.R. 7770) would provide a tax credit up to $1,000 to qualified taxpayers who purchase hearing aids and cannot deduct out-of-pocket medical expenses. Prescription hearing aids are expensive and not covered by Medicare or most private health insurance plans.
Act Now
Support the Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act of 2026 (S.3739)
The bipartisan Veterans Hearing Aid Improvement Act (S. 3739) aims to improve access to hearing healthcare through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), by evaluating over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid coverage for veterans with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Act Now
Support the Communications, Video and Technology Accessibility (CVTA) Act
The CVTA Act modernizes accessibility rules for fast‑changing technology, ensuring people with hearing loss and other disabilities can fully access streaming, videoconferencing, AI tools and digital life.
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Ally’s Act: Tell Congress to Require Coverage for Medically Necessary Hearing Devices
A critical insurance coverage gap for specialized hearing implant devices affects 500,000 children and adults in the U.S. Ask your representative to co-sponsor and support Ally’s Act.
Act Now
Expand Access to Audiology Services for Seniors
Help make the full scope of hearing healthcare services available to older adults who need them. Tell Congress to pass the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (H.R. 2757).
Act Now
Demand Equality for Jury Service
Millions of American citizens are excluded from federal jury service due to their age or disability. Tell Congress to pass the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act (H.R. 5096).