MS HB88

Requires all health insurance policies, contracts, and managed care entities issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2016 to provide coverage for hearing aids and services for deaf and hearing impaired dependent children under 21 years of age when prescribed by a physician.

Coverage must include all hearing examinations and tests, with deductibles and coinsurance limited to amounts equal to or less than similar benefits under the plan, or if no similar benefit exists, at levels that do not materially diminish the value of the coverage.

Reimbursement rates to health care providers must equal or exceed rates paid under the Mississippi Medicaid program.

Plans are not required to refer patients to out-of-network providers unless an appropriate in-network provider is unavailable or inaccessible; if out-of-network referral is necessary, services must be provided at no additional cost to the dependent child beyond in-network rates.

Applies to individual and group health insurance policies, nonprofit service contracts, health maintenance organization contracts, self-insured arrangements, and all managed care entities serving Mississippi residents.