Broomfield Youth Helps Spearhead H.R. 5485

Ally’s Act seeks to increase access to specialized hearing devices

Washington D.C.—The city and county of Broomfield, CO has pledged its support for Ally’s Act, a bipartisan bill that ensures private insurance companies provide coverage for osseointegrated hearing devices (OIDs) – including bone-anchored hearing aids (Baha) and Cochlear Implants.

H.R. 5485 was introduced by Congressman Joe Neguse, who represents Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, after 10-year-old Ally Tumblin – who lives in Broomfield – wrote to Congressman Neguse asking him to help her advocate to hear better. The bill is titled “Ally’s Act” in her honor.

“We’re incredibly excited to see growing momentum for Ally’s Act, bipartisan legislation which will provide critical access to essential hearing devices for individuals across the nation,” said Congressman Joe Neguse. “Ally’s Act is a pristine example of how government is supposed to work. Ally raised her voice and brought this problem to our office, and we were able to respond with legislation that will make a tangible difference in her life and the lives of many others who have been born with similar conditions. We are continuing to work to build support for the bill and make the case for larger consideration in the House.”

“We are so proud of Ally,” said City Councilmember Kimberly Groom. “This fierce young woman is a courageous and selfless advocate for our community and for people of all ages across the country.”

City Councilmember William Linstedt said, “Ally is an inspiration for all of us to stand up for what you believe in, stand up for what is right and to stand up for others. If Ally’s the future of Broomfield, I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish next.”

A letter of support will be hand delivered to Congressman Neguse by Broomfield Mayor Patrick Quinn during an upcoming visit to Washington, D.C.

Ally’s Act was originally co-sponsored by Congressmen David McKinley (R-WV) and Mike Thompson (D-CA). Since introduction in January, Congressman Neguse has secured additional support from Representatives Jason Crow (D-CO), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), and Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

Broomfield joins a growing number of organizations that support Ally’s Act, which include Ear Community, the American Cochlear Implant Alliance, the American Academy of Audiology, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Waiting to Hear, HearStrong, Lemon Aids 4 Hearing, Songs for Sound, Inc, American Tinnitus Association, and the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

For link to press release, click here.