BILL NUMBER: S4929
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to requiring insurance
policies to provide coverage for medically necessary hearing aids
purchased from hearing aid dispensers
 
PURPOSE:
This bill requires all insurance policies to provide coverage for
medically necessary hearing aids for children less than 18 years of age.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends subsection (i) of section 3216 of the
insurance law by adding a new paragraph 36. It requires every health
insurance policy that provides medical, major medical, or similar
comprehensive type coverage to provide coverage for medically necessary
hearing aids for children under the age of 18 years.
Section two of the bill amends section 3221 of the insurance law by
adding a new subsection (u). It requires every group health insurance
policy that provides medical, major medical, or similar comprehensive
type coverage to provide coverage for medically necessary hearing aids
for children under the age of 18 years.
Section three of the bill amends section 4303 of the insurance law by
adding a new subsection (uu). It requires every contract that provides
medical, major medical, or similar comprehensive type coverage to
provide coverage for medically necessary bearing aids for children under
the age of 18 years.
Section four of the bill relates to the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Insurance coverage for hearing aids is often specifically excluded from
coverage. This results in the cost being prohibitive for many even
though hearing aids are an important option that can be used to assist
individuals with hearing loss. In children, hearing aids can assist with
the development of valuable language and literacy skills. For children
and families who want to utilize hearing aids, they should be an afford-
able choice. Memo on original bill
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S. 8640 of 201-22: New bill, Referred to Insurance
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the first January next succeeding the date
on which it shall have become a law and shall apply ta all policies
issued, modified or renewed after such date.

Statutes affected:
S4929: 3221 insurance law, 4303 insurance law