OH HB152

Health benefit plans must cover the full cost of one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear up to $2,500 every 48 months for covered persons age 21 and younger verified as deaf or hearing impaired by a licensed audiologist, otolaryngologist, or other licensed physician.

Health benefit plans must cover all related services (assessment, selection, and adjustment/fitting) prescribed by an otolaryngologist or recommended by a licensed audiologist to ensure optimal hearing aid performance.

Covered persons may purchase higher-priced hearing aids and pay the difference above the $2,500 required coverage limit without financial or contractual penalties.

Health plan issuers are not required to pay for hearing aids if the covered person received the same coverage from any health benefit plan within the previous 48 months.

Health benefit plans may only cover hearing aids considered medically appropriate according to professional standards established by the state speech and hearing professionals board, and shall not exclude coverage for any medically appropriate device.