HIGHLAND PARK, N.J. , July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr.
Eric Sandler, Director of Audiology at The Hearing Center of Central New Jersey , has been selected as the new chair of the Audiology Committee of the New Jersey Speech and Hearing Association (NJSHA). Having recently been recognized in a member spotlight by NJSHA, Dr. Sandler played an active role in the 2024 update of Grace's Law.
Originally passed in 2009 to expand insurance coverage of hearing aids for children, Grace's law was updated to include obsolete cochlear implant processor replacements to be covered by health insurance in New Jersey . Cochlear implants utilize an implanted electrode array to bypass the damaged portion of a significantly hearing impaired ear. Without a functional external processor, the internal portion of the device provides no function.
External processors are constantly improving with technological advancements, and are considered obsolete after a useful life of 5-10 years. The original Grace's law covered $1,000 per hearing impaired ear, every 2 years. Hearing aids generally do not need to be replaced after 2 years, and most pediatric hearing aids come with a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Dr. Sandler was part of the team that suggested to NJ legislators to modify the language of the new law to increase the amount covered to $2,500 per hearing impaired ear, every 5 years. This allows families to have a larger portion of the hearing aid expense to be covered, while not increasing the cost t.