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NJ S1254

NJ S1254
Requires health benefits coverage of hearing aids for all ages.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill amends P.L.2008, c.126, "Grace's Law," by removing the specification that health insurers (health, hospital, and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCare Program) provide coverage for expenses incurred in the purchase of a hearing aid only for covered persons who are 15 years old or younger. The bill generalizes the requirement so that health insurers must provide these benefits regardless of the covered person's age. In addition, the bill supplements P.L.2007, c.103 (C.52:14-17.46.1 et seq.) to require the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission to ensure that every contract purchased by the commission meets the same requirements for hearing aid coverage as "Grace's Law." The provisions of the bill will take effect 90 days after the date of enactment and will apply to all health benefits plans issued or renewed on or after that date.

AI Summary

This bill expands coverage for hearing aids under various health insurance plans and programs in New Jersey, removing the previous age restriction that limited coverage to individuals 15 years old and younger. This means that health insurers, including hospital and medical service corporations, individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and plans under the State Health Benefits Program and NJ FamilyCare Program, will now be required to cover medically necessary hearing aids for all covered individuals, regardless of age. Additionally, the bill mandates that the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission ensure all contracts it purchases include this same hearing aid coverage. The coverage typically includes a benefit of up to $1,000 per hearing aid for each impaired ear every 24 months, with individuals allowed to choose more expensive devices and pay the difference without penalty. These changes will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted and will apply to all health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after that date.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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