H.B. 469 Summary

• Requires all individual and group health insurance policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2019 to cover hearing aids for policyholders and covered individuals
• Establishes minimum benefit of $1,500 per hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months for hearing aid purchases
• Allows policyholders to choose hearing aids priced higher than the benefit amount without penalty to the hearing aid provider
• Permits insurers to apply standard deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or annual/maximum payment limits consistent with other similar coverage
• Requires insurers to notify policyholders of hearing aid coverage in writing by December 31, 2019
• Applies to accident and health insurance (Chapter 431), hospital and medical service plans (Chapter 432), and health maintenance organizations (Chapter 432D)
• Takes effect July 1, 2019