Advocating for Equitable Access
Harvard-Westlake tennis standout Chase Klugo, who manages moderate-to-severe hearing loss, has launched a legislative campaign in California this year to mandate expanded insurance coverage for hearing aids. By collaborating with policymakers and healthcare advocates, Klugo aims to eliminate the financial barriers that currently prevent thousands of residents from accessing essential auditory technology.
For many, hearing aids are classified as elective or cosmetic by insurance providers, often resulting in out-of-pocket costs that exceed $3,000 per device. Klugo argues that these devices are medical necessities, critical for education, employment, and social integration.
The Landscape of Auditory Health
Hearing loss remains one of the most common chronic health conditions in the United States, yet it is frequently excluded from comprehensive insurance plans. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aid use.
Despite the prevalence of the condition, California law currently lacks a universal mandate requiring private insurers to cover hearing devices for adults. While some states have introduced mandates for children, the gap in coverage for the adult population remains significant, leaving many to rely on high-cost private purchases or limited public assistance programs.
Legislative Momentum and Personal Advocacy
Klugo’s advocacy builds upon a growing national movement to treat hearing health as a pillar of preventative medicine. Research from the Lancet Commission on Dementia suggests that untreated hearing loss is a primary modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline, providing a strong clinical argument for insurance coverage.
Beyond the clinical data, Klugo draws on his own experiences navigating competitive high school sports and rigorous academics. He emphasizes that the ability to hear is not a luxury, but a fundamental tool for success in an increasingly connected world.
Policy analysts note that legislative success in California often serves as a bellwether for national standards. If Klugo’s efforts lead to a successful bill, it could create a blueprint for other states to adopt similar mandates, potentially shifting the insurance industry’s classification of hearing aids.
Implications for Future Healthcare
The push for coverage has significant implications for the healthcare industry and the millions of Californians currently priced out of the market. Proponents hope that mandates will not only increase accessibility but also drive down costs through increased volume and competition among manufacturers.
Observers are now watching the state legislature to see if these proposals gain bipartisan support in the upcoming session. The outcome of this campaign will likely determine whether hearing health is formally recognized as a standard of care, setting a major precedent for medical equity in California and beyond.
