Health insurance companies have to pay for deaf smoke detectors

BSG obliges health insurances to cover the costs of smoke detectors for the deaf

08/22/2014

Deaf people are entitled to two smoke detectors paid by the health insurance company. This was decided by the Federal Social Court (BSG) in its judgment published on Wednesday (file reference: B 3 KR 8/13 R). The special smoke detectors made it possible „an independent living independent of foreign aid, "said the Kassel judges.

Deaf people are entitled to care with two smoke detectors with light signals
In the specific case, a deaf person from Hamburg had sued, because the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) had refused to pay him for two special smoke detectors with light signals. Even the State Social Court (LSG) rejected the claim, so that the case was finally negotiated before the SPA. While the LSG decided that the crane was only responsible for medical rehabilitation, but the smoke detectors the „general provision for risk and dangerous situations "and therefore served „According to the Kassel judges, the plaintiff is entitled to two smoke detectors for the deaf.

„These devices serve a fundamental security need, are now required by building regulations in thirteen of sixteen federal states, and enable deaf people, in the form adapted to their needs, to live independently from outside help“, so the verdict of the BSG. „This affects a general basic need of everyday life.“ (Ag)