HI SB535

Requires health insurance policies and group accident and health plans issued after December 31, 2018 to cover hearing aids at a minimum benefit of $1,500 per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months for policyholders and covered individuals.

Allows policyholders to choose hearing aids priced higher than the benefit amount without financial or contractual penalty to the provider.

Permits insurance carriers to apply deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and annual or maximum payment limits consistent with other similar coverage under the policy.

Requires all insurers to notify policyholders in writing about hearing aid coverage by December 31, 2019 through annual mailings or other correspondence.

Defines "hearing aid" to include both conventional and bone conduction hearing aids, and applies to health maintenance organizations and mutual benefit societies.