Bill > S00514

This bill amends the New York State insurance law to require large group insurance policies to provide mandatory coverage for hearing aids. Specifically, the bill mandates that large group policies offering major medical or comprehensive-type coverage must include hearing aid benefits when the devices are prescribed after a medical evaluation and are fitted by a registered audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. The coverage is limited to $2,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 36 months. Importantly, the bill prohibits insurance providers from denying coverage based on the style, brand, or circuit type of the hearing aid, and it allows insurers to provide more favorable coverage if they choose. The definition of "hearing aid" is referenced from section seven hundred eighty-nine of the general business law. The act will take effect on the first day of January following its passage and will apply to all insurance policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after that date, with immediate authorization for implementing regulations.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S514