MA S681

Bill

MA S681

Providing coverage for hearing aids

Introduced
03/29/2021

In Committee
02/17/2022

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead
12/31/2022

Introduced Session

192nd General Court

Bill Summary

For legislation to provide health benefit plan coverage for hearing aids. Financial Services.

AI Summary

This bill requires health benefit plans in Massachusetts to provide coverage for hearing aids. Specifically, it mandates 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 36 months, upon a written statement from the treating physician that the hearing aids are necessary. The coverage includes related services such as the initial evaluation, fitting, adjustments, and supplies. The insured may choose a more expensive hearing aid and pay the difference in cost, without any financial or contractual penalty. The benefits cannot be subject to greater deductibles, coinsurance, copayments, or out-of-pocket limits than other plan benefits. The bill applies to all health insurance policies, contracts, and certificates issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2014 in Massachusetts.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Adam Hinds (D)*, Joseph Boncore (D),

Last Action

Accompanied a study order, see S2800 (on 03/31/2022)

Official Document

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S681

(11 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S681
Bill	https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S681.pdf

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
H3100	Requiring municipalities to place insurance out to bid	Accompanied a study order, see H4910	Similar To
H5134	Relative to insurance companies	Read; and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
H90	Financing a program for improvements to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund and providing relief to employers and workers in the Commonwealth	For actions on the section returned with recommendations of amendments, see H3702	Similar To
S1202	Amending the unemployment insurance law for workers with fluctuating work schedules	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S2800	Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Health Care Financing to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to health care financing	Discharged to the committee on Senate Rules	Replaced by
S35	Similar Bills	See H90	Similar To
S634	Relative to women's health	Accompanied a study order, see S2693	Similar To
S671	Relative to long-term care insurance consumer protections	Accompanied a study order, see S2693	Similar To
S709	To establish minimum reimbursement rates to insurance claimants	Accompanied a new draft, see S2928	Similar To
S710	Relative to special insurance brokers	Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means	Similar To
S787	Establishing a public health option	Accompanied a study order, see S2800	Similar To

Bill > S681

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

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