MO HB1704

Repeals and replaces section 376.1220, RSMo regarding insurance coverage for hearing screenings and hearing aid devices.

Requires all individual and group health insurance policies, health service contracts, and managed health care plans to cover newborn hearing screening, rescreening, audiological assessment, follow-up, and initial amplification including hearing aid devices, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, and hearing assistive technology systems as deemed necessary by a licensed physician or audiologist.

Hearing care services must be subject to the same deductibles and co-payments as other similar health care services under the policy or plan.

Exempts supplemental insurance policies including life care contracts, accident-only policies, specified disease policies, Medicare supplement policies, and short-term major medical policies of six months or less from these coverage requirements.

Requires coverage for newborn hearing screening and amplification for children eligible for medical assistance and the children's health program, with payment requirements specified in sections 191.925 and 191.928.