H.B. 198 - Madeline's Law Summary

• Requires health benefit plan issuers to cover hearing aids and related services for individuals age 21 and younger who are deaf or hearing impaired.

• Mandates coverage of one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear up to $2,500 every 48 months, with full cost coverage requiring no copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles.

• Includes coverage for all related services prescribed or recommended by otolaryngologists or licensed audiologists necessary to assess, select, and fit hearing aids.

• Permits covered individuals to choose higher-priced hearing aids and pay the difference above $2,500 without financial or contractual penalty.

• Restricts coverage to hearing aids considered medically appropriate under professional standards established by the state speech and hearing professionals board, which shall adopt standards for compliance.