S.B. 609 Summary

• Requires all individual and group health insurance policies issued or renewed in Hawaii on or after January 1, 2024, to cover hearing aids for policyholders and covered individuals.

• Establishes a minimum coverage benefit of $1,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months.

• Allows policyholders to choose hearing aids priced above the benefit amount without financial or contractual penalties to the hearing aid provider.

• Permits coverage to be subject to standard deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and annual or maximum payment limits consistent with other similar coverage.

• Effective date is December 31, 2050.