This bill amends existing legislation to expand health benefits coverage for hearing aids to individuals of all ages, removing the previous limitation that only covered persons aged 15 years or younger were eligible for such benefits. Specifically, it modifies P.L.2008, c.126 (Graces Law) to require health insurers—including hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and various health benefits plans—to provide coverage for medically necessary expenses related to the purchase of hearing aids. The coverage includes the purchase of a hearing aid for each ear, with a potential limit of $1,000 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 24 months. Additionally, individuals can opt for more expensive hearing aids and pay the difference without facing financial penalties.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new requirement for the School Employees Health Benefits Commission to ensure that all contracts purchased by the commission also comply with the same hearing aid coverage standards established by Graces Law. The provisions of this bill will take effect 90 days after enactment and will apply to all health benefits plans issued or renewed after that date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 17:48-6, 17:48A-7, 17:48E-35.31, 17B:26-2.1, 17B:27-46.1, 17B:27A-7.14, 17B:27A-19.18, 26:2J-4.32, 52:14-17.29, 30:4J-12.2