MS HB111

Requires insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and managed care organizations to cover hearing aids and medical testing for evaluation and fitting of hearing aids for dependent children under age 21 (or older if plan defines dependents as such).

Limits coverage to $1,500 per hearing aid per ear within a 36-month period, with coverage only for devices fitted and dispensed by licensed professionals following physician medical clearance.

Requires coverage of up to four additional ear molds per year for dependents age 2 or younger.

Allows dependents to purchase hearing aids priced higher than the benefit amount by paying the difference without penalty to the provider.

Takes effect July 1, 2013, for new policies and contracts; existing policies must convert to these requirements by January 1, 2015.