MA S540

Bill

Providing hearing aids for persons with sensory impairedness

Introduced
01/22/2019

In Committee
01/22/2019

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

191st General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to require hearing aids to be covered by the Group Insurance Commission. Financial Services.

AI Summary

This bill requires health insurance plans in Massachusetts, including the Group Insurance Commission, to provide coverage for the cost of one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear up to $500 and 80% coverage of the next $1,500 for each hearing aid every 24 months. The coverage includes all related services prescribed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist, such as the initial evaluation, fitting, and adjustments. Insureds may choose a higher-priced hearing aid and pay the difference without any penalty. The benefits cannot be subject to greater deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or out-of-pocket limits than other benefits provided by the insurer. The bill applies to all relevant health insurance policies, contracts, and certificates issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2016.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Joseph Boncore (D)*,

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see S2543 (on 02/18/2020)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S540

(10 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S540
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S540.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H1050	Relative to ensuring treatment for genetic craniofacial conditions	Accompanied a study order, see H5160	Similar To
H1115	Relative to the care and treatment of patients with mitochondrial disease	Accompanied a study order, see H5160	Similar To
H1116	Relative to ensuring treatment for genetic craniofacial conditions	Accompanied a study order, see H5160	Similar To
H276	To provide increased access to hearing aids	Accompanied a new draft, see H4298	Similar To
H947	Relative to insurance coverage for PANDAS/PANS	Reporting date extended to Thursday December 31, 2020, pending concurrence	Similar To
H968	Relative to improving lives by ensuring access to brain injury treatment	Reporting date extended to Thursday December 31, 2020, pending concurrence	Similar To
S151	To provide increased access to hearing aids	Accompanied a new draft, see H4298	Similar To
S2543	Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Financial Services to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to financial services issues	Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules	Replaced by
S597	Providing coverage for hearing aids	Accompanied a study order, see S2543	Similar To
S613	Relative to insurance coverage for PANDAS/PANS	New draft substituted, see S2935	Similar To

Bill > S540

MA S540

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

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