HI HCR59

Requests the Auditor to assess the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for hearing aids under hospital and medical service plans, medical service corporation contracts, and health maintenance organization plans.

Directs the Auditor to identify the number of Hawaii residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind based on national prevalence rates to determine potential impact populations.

Requires the Auditor to survey other states that have implemented hearing aid or cochlear implant mandates to examine their experiences and examine current coverage standards used by Medicare, Medicaid, Hawaii health plans, and other entities regarding frequency of replacement and cost limitations.

Directs the Auditor to compare the cost and utilization of cochlear implants to hearing aid devices.

Requires the Auditor to submit findings, recommendations, and any necessary implementing legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2012 Regular Session.