Bill > HB5433

This bill mandates that all state-regulated health insurance plans, including those from hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, dental service corporations, health service corporations, and health maintenance organizations (HMOs), must provide coverage for hearing aids and at least one annual audiological evaluation, which is a test of hearing ability. This coverage, effective for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026, will apply to hearing aids prescribed by a physician and includes initial and replacement hearing aids every 36 months, as well as new devices when existing ones can't be adequately altered. The bill defines a hearing aid broadly to include necessary accessories but excludes batteries and cords, and it states that standard deductibles, coinsurance, and network restrictions will apply. Crucially, the coverage is capped at $1,400 per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months, though individuals can opt for more expensive devices by paying the difference without penalty. However, this mandate is limited by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act's (ACA) essential health benefits, meaning any coverage requirements exceeding those specified in the ACA are not compulsory for health benefit plans offered by insurers in the state.