This bill amends various sections of the General Laws to ensure that health insurance policies provide coverage for hearing aids. Specifically, it mandates that any person insured under group insurance, accident and sickness insurance, hospital service plans, or health maintenance contracts is entitled to coverage for one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months, contingent upon a written statement from their treating physician confirming the necessity of the hearing aid. If a physician indicates that a patient's hearing capability has changed, necessitating a new hearing aid, the insurer must provide coverage before the 36-month period has elapsed.

The bill also stipulates that coverage for hearing aids will include all related services, such as evaluations, fittings, and necessary supplies, and that hearing aids will be treated as durable medical equipment under the same terms as other durable medical equipment. Importantly, the bill sets a copayment limit of $200 for hearing aids and ensures that the benefits provided for hearing aids are not subject to higher deductibles or out-of-pocket limits than those for other durable medical equipment. Additionally, the bill allows for greater coverage options to be offered by insurers beyond the minimum requirements established in this legislation.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 32A-23, 175-47X, 176A-8Y, 176B-4Y, 176G-4N