OH SB98

Requires health insurers (health insuring corporations and sickness and accident insurers) offering basic health care coverage to also offer hearing aid coverage as a rider to their policies.

Defines "hearing aid" as any wearable instrument or device designed to aid or compensate for impaired human hearing, including attachments and accessories (excluding batteries and cords), distributed by a licensed hearing aid dealer.

Hearing aid coverage must provide at least $1,500 per year over a three-year period and be available to persons of all ages with no deductible or copayment requirements (though coinsurance is permitted).

Coverage must include related services and supplies such as initial assessment, fitting, adjustments, and auditory training provided according to accepted professional standards.

The bill does not apply to sickness and accident insurers that do not offer basic health care coverage.