Return Address

Your Name

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Date

[insert date]

Heading

The Honorable [insert full name]

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Salutation

Dear Representative [or Senator] [insert last name]:

Introduce yourself and state your purpose

As a resident of [insert city] in [insert county] county, and a parent, I am writing to ask for your support of Senate Bill 375/House Bill 589.  This bill would require health benefit plan coverage for hearing aids for children with hearing loss, birth through age 21, up to $2,500 per ear every 36 months.

Explain why you are making this request.

We know that the most important development of a young child occurs in the first few years of life, and our obligation to the child does not end there. Our state priorities need to reflect that knowledge. Thirteen other states have passed legislation requiring insurance coverage for hearing aids for children.  If passed, this legislation would help my family . . . . [elaborate on how your family would benefit].

Make a connection to his/her constituency through a personal story or any fact or figures available.

Our /My son/daughter/children [insert first name(s)] is/are [insert age(s)] years old and . . . . [tell about your child(ren) and family] . . . 

Hearing aids cost between $3,000 and $6,000 or more.  My child’s hearing aids cost $ [insert amount]. . . . [AND/OR]

In addition, just like glasses, hearing aids need to be replaced or changed over time as a child’s hearing changes.

[If your child uses a CI or CI's vs. hearing aids] I have experienced (witnessed) the impact of high costs associated with hearing devices in my own family. . . . [AND/OR]

This legislation can ultimately save our community dollars and at only a $.39 estimated annual insurance premium increase per insured NC citizen.  In our case this represents an approximate estimated savings of [insert amount].

Restate your request, and ask him/her to follow-up

I urge you to support this important legislation.  Investing in the early years saves us all money later on.  I would appreciate a written reply that states how you voted on this issue.

Thank the legislator for his/her time. [If they have supported issues regarding the deaf and hard of hearing in the past (see list provided), be sure to mention it!!]

Thank you for your time and consideration. [Your ongoing support of the deaf and hard of hearing is greatly appreciated!]

Sign off

Sincerely,

[Your name]