MI SB0178

Requires health insurance policies, certificates, and HMO contracts delivered or renewed in Michigan to cover audiological screening, diagnosis, and treatment services.

Mandates coverage for the cost of hearing aids for insured individuals certified as deaf or severely hearing impaired by a licensed physician or licensed audiologist.

Permits insurers to apply standard dollar limits, copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance provisions that apply to other coverage under the policy or contract.

Applies to expense-incurred hospital, medical, and surgical policies as well as HMO group and individual contracts.

Takes effect January 1, 2010.