Bill > HB177

This bill modifies Missouri's MO HealthNet (Medicaid) program to add coverage for medically necessary cochlear implants and hearing instruments. Specifically, these devices must be either prescribed by an audiologist or dispensed by a hearing instrument specialist. The bill removes previous language that excluded hearing aids from coverage and creates a new provision (Section 25) that explicitly includes cochlear implants and hearing instruments as a covered medical service. By adding this coverage, the bill aims to improve access to hearing-related medical devices for low-income individuals who qualify for MO HealthNet benefits. This change represents an expansion of medical services available under the state's Medicaid program, potentially helping individuals with hearing impairments obtain necessary medical equipment that might otherwise be financially out of reach.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB177&year=2025&code=R