1-17-2025 9:27pm

Carlisle Student Natalie Osborne Witnesses The Signing Of "Madeline's Law"

Beth Callahan Editor

(Contributed Photo) Ohio Governor Mike Dewine holding a landmark piece of legislation: “Madeline’s Law.”

Story and pictures from Missy Osborne

CARLISLE, OH -- On January 8th, Natalie Osborne, a 7th grader at Carlisle Jr High, was invited to be with Governor Mike DeWine at the Ohio State House for the signing of “Madeline’s Law.” This new law is a landmark piece of legislation that will ensure minors in Ohio will have access to hearing aids through insurance coverage.

Madeline’s Law, which was first introduced in 2019, will require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for minors under 21 years of age. The legislation provides up to $2,500 in coverage every four years for children who require hearing aids, a vital tool for addressing hearing impairments that are often considered "cosmetic" and therefore, unaffordable for many families.

Natalie, who was born with mild to moderate hearig loss, has enjoyed being a part of this bill becoming a law. She advocated by testifying multiples times in committee meetings of the House of Representatives and Senate and also attending meetings with Senators at the State House. This has been an experience that Natalie will never forget. And, knowing that she had a part in making a difference for other children with hearing loss is a wonderful feeling. Now, Ohio’s children who are deaf or Hard of Hearing are guaranteed the right to hear!

Madeline’s Law is named in honor of a young Ohio resident whose personal experience highlighted the financial struggles families face when hearing aids are not covered by insurance. Thanks to this new law, Madeline and other children with hearing impairments will now have access to the tools they need to thrive.

To learn more about Madeline's Law and how it came to be visit Ryan Brady's story written in May of 2019 on agbell.org titled Madeline's Law: Improving Outcomes For Children With Hearing Loss by clicking here.