OH HB243

Requires health benefit plans to provide coverage for one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear up to $1,400 every 36 months for covered persons under 22 years of age.

Mandates full coverage of related services including assessment, selection, adjustment, and fitting of hearing aids when prescribed by a licensed audiologist and dispensed by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer.

Allows covered persons to purchase higher-priced hearing aids and pay the difference above $1,400 without financial or contractual penalties.

Prohibits health plan issuers from covering hearing aid costs if the covered person received the same coverage from any health benefit plan within the preceding 36 months.

Applies to health benefit plans delivered, issued for delivery, modified, or renewed on or after the effective date of the act.