Cutting hearing aid plan is ill-advised

I wrote to the Minister of Health, adding my voice to the many who strongly urge government to rethink cutting the Saskatchewan Hearing Aid Plan. This move puts 40,000 people into a state of upset and insecurity, our family included.

A ministry assistant called to say “the government fully expects the private sector to take on the load,” and transition to private audiologists and hearing clinics, many “closer to home,” will be smooth. The Health Sciences Association of Saskatchewan says we’ll be left with only 26 audiologists in the province, three in the public sector, far below other provinces.

The assistant referred to private audiologists who felt they were “losing out” on clients served by SHAP, which operated on a breakeven basis, and said the private sector can offer “very competitive pricing.”

SHAP provides audiology services for all ages: hearing tests, aids, fittings, repairs, counselling, education and prevention programs.

Our son Jim does well in part because of the consistent quality of SHAP service and expertise. Jim, 42, is a 22-year Saskatoon YMCA volunteer. He is not a client of Social Services and has no income other than our support.

With an intellectual disability and significant hearing loss, where will he fall on the inevitable waiting list?

Killing SHAP affects health, educational success, social interaction and employment opportunities. Hoping the for-profit system will adequately serve people is ill-advised.

The assistant said the Ministry of Health would be pleased to talk to anyone with concerns. I suggest people who have some should call.

Karin Melberg Schwier, Saskatoon