HI HR52

Request the State Auditor to assess the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for hearing aids under hospital and medical service plans, medical service corporations, and health maintenance organizations.

Auditor must identify the number of Hawaii residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind based on national prevalence rates to determine potential populations affected by hearing aid costs.

Auditor must survey other states that have implemented hearing aid or cochlear implant mandates to examine their experiences and outcomes.

Auditor must research public and private entities' coverage standards for hearing aids and cochlear implants, including frequency of replacement, cost limitations, and differences between adult and child coverage.

Auditor must submit findings, recommendations, and any necessary implementing legislation to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2011 Regular Session convenes.