Burien Man Files Nationwide Class Action Lawsuit Against Kaiser for Hearing Aid Coverage
A Burien resident recently filed a nationwide class action lawsuit against Kaiser Foundation Health Plan. The plaintiff, Jason Delessert, relies on prescription hearing aids for daily life and claims that Kaiser’s refusal to cover these aids is illegal discrimination under the ACA. Delessert argues that the exclusion of hearing aid coverage is discriminatory against individuals with hearing disabilities, stating that his hearing aids are essential for communication, work, and social interactions.
The lawsuit, filed on December 18, 2024, is the first nationwide class action addressing hearing aid exclusions as a form of disability discrimination. The case follows a similar Washington state lawsuit in 2020. The plaintiff’s attorneys argue that prescription hearing aids solely treat hearing disabilities, and excluding them is a form of illegal discrimination against individuals with hearing impairments.
The lawsuit seeks to end Kaiser’s nationwide hearing aid exclusions and reimburse enrollees who were denied coverage. The plaintiff’s attorneys claim that hearing aid exclusions are rooted in historic discrimination against disabled individuals in the health insurance industry. The ACA was designed to prevent such discrimination, and this lawsuit aims to ensure that Kaiser ends its discriminatory practices.
Although attempts were made to reach out to Kaiser for comment, they have not responded as of publication time. Concerned individuals, like one commenter, who have been denied hearing aid coverage by Kaiser can look into joining the lawsuit to address these discriminatory practices.
