In the fiscal years 2024-2025 biennial state budget (HB 33), OSHGAC successfully advocated for increased Medicaid rates.  Previously, these reimbursement rates had not increased in over a decade.  For example, previously Medicaid only reimbursed 50% of the cost of hearing aids for adults compared to children.  However, Medicaid agreed with OSHGAC which advocated that this was unfair and as of January 2024, Medicaid fully reimburses for adult hearing aids at the same level as children.  Additionally, many SLP and audiology service codes were increased through support of OSHGAC efforts.  Future efforts will include increasing access to reimbursable CPT codes associated with hearing aids as well as coverage for repairs. 

House Bill 152:  This legislation would require commercial insurance plans to cover hearing aids up to $2500 per ear every 48 months for children 21 and younger.   Over 30 witnesses testified in support of the bill including many members of OAA.  This bill passed the house with a vote of 85-6.  It is currently in the senate and OSHGAC has reached out to membership to ask for help in contacting senators to get this bill passed in 2024! 

Annual Advocacy Day:  In 2023 we hosted an advocacy day at the statehouse.  Our primary focus was to advocate for the passage of HB 152, as well as bring awareness to legislators and their staff about SLP and audiology services.  

OSHGAC was invited by the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) agency to help determine service definitions and rates to reach underserved populations. OOD believes this could help these individuals receive the quality care they need to reach their employment goals while allowing OOD to serve as many eligible individuals as possible.  OSHGAC offered recommendations on how OOD could expand services to Ohioans with disabilities and increase in the purchasing of hearing aids and related devices.  OSHGAC hopes to see a rule package from OOD in the near future solidifying these higher rates and program changes. 

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Screening:  OSHGAC led an effort to require Ohio’s birthing hospitals to screen for CMV in newborns.  Through education and evidence-based presentations new initiatives emerged including the Ohio Department of Health promoting CMV screenings and education through the infant hearing brochure given to new parents. 

Ohio Administrative Code 3301-51-09, Delivery of Services:  This rule package has been discussed for years, the proposal contains the workload and caseload requirements for related services personnel in schools (including SLPs and Audiologists).  A Related Services Workgroup convened and issued a report with recommendations in October 2019, and some of those recommendations were implemented.  OSHGAC has submitted public comments on November 2021, 2022 and March 2024 continuing to request changes to the workload/caseload requirements.