NY A10595

Mandates insurance coverage for cochlear implants and backup devices when prescribed by a licensed healthcare practitioner for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Requires backup devices to be provided not only at initial implantation but also with every replacement or upgrade, addressing a current gap where backups are only covered initially but not when devices are replaced after 3-5 years.

Exempts cochlear implant coverage from annual deductibles and coinsurance requirements.

Applies to individual policies, group policies, and HMO contracts that provide medical or comprehensive-type coverage in New York.

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law and applies to policies issued, renewed, or modified on or after that date.