Health insurance; hearing aids; children
If enacted, SB1293 will amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning health care insurance, subscription contracts, disability policies, and group policies. The inclusion of hearing aids under health benefits plans is expected to enhance the quality of life for children with hearing impairments by allowing for better access to auditory devices which are essential for effective communication and learning. The requirement for the establishment of an approved list of licensed audiologists and hearing aid dispensers further ensures accountability and quality for services rendered.
SB1293 aims to improve health insurance coverage for hearing aids specifically for children under the age of 18. The bill mandates that the Arizona Department of Insurance establish minimum coverage rates and limits for hearing aids, ensuring that children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive at least one hundred percent coverage for reasonable and customary hearing aids. This legislative action is significant as it directly addresses the financial hurdles families face regarding hearing aid accessibility and aims to standardize the necessary support for affected children.
Notably, discussions surrounding SB1293 may revolve around its funding implications and impacts on insurance costs. There may be contention regarding how insurance providers will adjust their policies to comply with the requirements of the bill while maintaining reasonable premiums. Supporters advocate for its necessity to provide equal access to hearing aids, while opponents could fear rising costs associated with the mandated coverage provisions. Furthermore, it raises the debate on state intervention in healthcare coverage and insurance policy regulation.