Bill > HB607

This bill expands health insurance coverage for hearing loss treatments by removing age restrictions and mandating that all health insurance plans in Montana provide coverage for diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss for people of any age. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to eliminate the previous requirement that hearing loss coverage was only available for children 18 years and younger. The coverage must include medically necessary treatments prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, and can include hearing devices or amplification devices, with a limit of one device per ear every three years. Insurance plans can still apply standard deductibles, coinsurance, and copayment provisions, but cannot impose special limitations unique to hearing loss treatments. The bill applies to various group insurance programs, including state employee plans, university system plans, and city and school district plans, but does not apply to specific types of insurance like disability or accident-only policies. The legislation defines key terms such as "medical necessity" and "hearing loss" to provide clear guidance on what treatments should be covered, and aims to ensure that individuals of all ages have access to hearing healthcare services.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2218