I want to start with an honest update. Many of us, including me, believed this was done when California submitted its application to the federal government—though I was holding my breath, given the long journey we’ve all been on.
New federal rules were issued, and because the package included more than hearing aids, the cost became too high for California to move forward on the full package right now.
I know many families were counting on this, and this is a hard email to write—but we’re asking you not to give up on us, because our kids and future generations can’t wait.
This Thursday, the Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 (Health) will review the state’s Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program (HACCP). Since 2021, roughly $30 million has been allocated—largely to fixed administrative costs—yet less than 300 children have received hearing aids.
This raises a simple question: is there a better way to get access to care to children that actually reaches them?
Because of the timing of these new rules, we were unable to move a policy bill this year, so we are advancing this through the budget process. While this is not the Legislature’s preferred path—especially on the Assembly side—the Legislature has been clear for years: access to hearing aids and sound is not elective, and health plans should cover them.
Here, we are asking the Governor to do what the Legislature has made clear—and act with the urgency children deserve.
We need your help. I will be speaking at tomorrow’s hearing, followed by our junior ambassador, Marie. We are asking families and supporters—especially children—to join us for public comment.
This Thursday, April 9, 2026
Senate Budget Subcommittee #3 (Health)
9:30 AM (likely early afternoon for our item)
1021 O Street, Suite 1200
Public comment can be simple:
Your name, followed by: “Governor Newsom, it’s time to lead on this. Let California Kids Hear”
If you can’t be there in person, we understand, and we’ll send instructions and a script tomorrow so you can call legislative leaders as they head into budget discussions with the Governor.
You can also amplify this moment on Friday by reposting @letchildrenhear and tagging the Governor. Please make sure you are following us on Instagram @letkidshear.
In parallel, we are pursuing a federal pathway for children in California and in the 20+ states where state exchanges do not cover hearing aids. We’ve had positive meetings in DC and are making progress—but this will take time.
If you are new to this movement, we are a volunteer, mom-led, clinician- and educator-informed coalition working to ensure children receive timely access to hearing aids and pediatric specialists. We are powered by our incredible junior ambassadors—kids who continue to show up, speak out, and lead the way.
As our junior ambassador Marie says, ‘it’s the season’—all to say you’ll be hearing a lot from us in the next eight weeks as we push hard to get this into the Administration’s budget. We’ll need your help