MS SB2109

Requires all health insurance policies, HMOs, self-insured plans, and the State and School Employees' Health Insurance Plan to cover hearing aids and services for dependent children under 21 years of age who are deaf or hearing impaired

Coverage must be provided when a physician issues a written order stating the child is deaf or hearing impaired and that treatment is medically cleared, including all hearing examinations and tests

Prohibits requiring deductibles or coinsurance for hearing testing greater than those established for similar benefits; reimbursement to providers must equal or exceed Medicaid rates

Plans must cover services from nonparticipating providers at no additional cost to the patient if no appropriate participating provider is available and accessible

Effective date of July 1, 2017