NY A03249

Mandates all health insurance policies providing medical or major medical coverage in New York to cover medically necessary hearing aids for insured persons under 18 years of age

Requires hearing aids to be purchased from registered hearing aid dispensers or licensed audiologists to qualify for coverage

Limits coverage to one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 24 months, unless the child's hearing has significantly changed and the existing device no longer corrects the hearing loss

Defines "hearing aid" as any wearable hearing device including parts, attachments, and accessories, but excluding batteries and cords; also covers recasing, reshelling, and new molds

Allows insurers to apply deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments to the hearing aid coverage

Takes effect January 1 following enactment, applying to all policies issued, modified, or renewed after that date