Bill > H946

This bill mandates that health benefit plans, including those for state employees and retirees, as well as various private insurance policies and health maintenance organizations, must provide coverage for hearing aids. Specifically, these plans will cover the cost of one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear up to $500, and then 80% of the next $1,500 for each hearing aid, with this coverage available every 24 months upon a doctor's written statement of medical necessity. The coverage also includes all necessary related services from licensed professionals, such as initial evaluations, fittings, and adjustments, and these hearing aid benefits cannot be subject to stricter financial terms like higher deductibles or copayments than other benefits offered by the insurer, though insurers can choose to offer more generous coverage.