Bill > H3342

This bill requires all health insurance plans in South Carolina to cover hearing aids for individuals with documented hearing loss, providing comprehensive details about the scope and implementation of this coverage. The legislation defines key terms such as "hearing aid" (a wearable device to compensate for impaired hearing, excluding batteries and assistive listening devices), "audiologist" (a licensed hearing professional), and "health insurance plan" (including the State Health Plan). Under the bill, insurers must provide coverage for one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear, with the Department of Insurance responsible for setting minimum coverage rates and creating an approved list of licensed audiologists and hearing aid dealers. Importantly, the bill prohibits insurance companies from denying or restricting coverage based on a previous hearing loss diagnosis. Patients will have the flexibility to choose hearing aids that cost more than the department's set limit, provided they pay the difference without penalties. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will apply to all health insurance plans issued or renewed on or after that date, representing a significant expansion of hearing aid coverage for South Carolina residents.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3342&session=126&summary=B