Bill > A03249

This bill requires health insurance policies in New York to provide coverage for medically necessary hearing aids for children under 18 years old. The coverage will be limited to one hearing aid per impaired ear every 24 months, unless the child's hearing has changed significantly and the existing hearing aid no longer corrects their hearing loss. The bill applies to individual health insurance policies, group health insurance policies, and contracts from health service and hospital service corporations. A "hearing aid" is defined as a wearable device designed for hearing, including parts and accessories, but excluding batteries and cords. The type of device will be determined by a registered hearing aid dispenser or licensed audiologist. The bill also specifies that services like recasing, reshelling, and acquiring new molds are included in the coverage. Insurance providers may still apply standard deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments to these hearing aid services. The law will take effect on the first day of January following its passage and will apply to all policies issued, modified, or renewed after that date.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3249