MS SB2584

Requires insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and managed care organizations in Mississippi to cover hearing aids and audiologically appropriate testing for dependent children under age 21 when fitted by a licensed professional and approved by a physician.

Limits coverage to a maximum of $1,500 per hearing aid per ear every 36 months, with up to four additional ear molds per year for children under age 2.

Allows insured individuals to purchase hearing aids priced higher than the benefit and pay the difference without penalty to the provider.

Requires hearing aids obtained through contracted health care providers in managed care networks and permits insurers to provide coverage more generous than the minimums required.

Effective July 1, 2012, for new policies and by January 1, 2014, for existing policies, with coverage applying regardless of whether hearing impairment is a preexisting condition.