Bill > A00680

This bill mandates that large group health insurance policies must provide coverage for hearing aids, requiring insurers to include benefits for hearing devices when prescribed through a proper medical evaluation and fitted by a registered audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. Specifically, the bill allows insurers to limit reimbursement to $2,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 36 months, while prohibiting coverage restrictions based on the style, brand, or circuit type of the hearing aid. The legislation defines "hearing aid" according to the general business law and ensures that insurers cannot deny coverage for hearing aids, though they are permitted to offer more generous coverage if desired. The bill applies to insurance policies issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after January 1st following its enactment, and allows for immediate preparation of necessary regulations to implement the new requirements. By mandating this coverage, the bill aims to improve access to hearing healthcare for individuals with hearing impairments by reducing out-of-pocket expenses for hearing aids.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A680