HI SB1494

Requires health insurers, mutual benefit societies, and health maintenance organizations to offer optional coverage for hearing aids on policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2026

Sets a minimum coverage benefit of $1,500 per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months for both conventional and bone conduction hearing aids

Allows policyholders to purchase hearing aids priced higher than the benefit amount without penalty to the hearing aid provider

Mandates insurers to include information about the optional hearing aid coverage in policyholder communications and on their websites

Effective date set for July 1, 2050 (placeholder date indicating delayed implementation pending further action)