Daniels’ budget proposal wouldn’t cut hearing aids

The new state budget proposed by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels would not cut hearing aid services to adults on Medicaid as state officials had said previously.

State budget director Adam Horst said he misspoke when he told the State Budget Committee last week that Daniels' proposal would eliminate Medicaid coverage for hearing aids. However, Horst said the Republican governor's proposed budget would cut other optional Medicaid services for adults including dental, podiatry and chiropractic services.

Some lawmakers oppose cutting those optional services, saying the savings of less than $20 million a year would not be worth the pain caused to those who would have to go without the services.

The governor's budget is a starting point for Republican lawmakers who control the Legislature as they create a new two-year spending plan for the state.