Connecticut House Bill HB05433

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/13
• Refer: 1/18/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.

Impact

The bill's enactment will amend existing health insurance regulations under title 38a of the general statutes, which currently may not mandate coverage for hearing aids. By requiring insurance companies to provide coverage, this legislation aims to reduce the financial burden on individuals who need hearing aids—devices often viewed as critical for effective communication and daily functioning. This change is expected to lead to increased utilization of hearing aids among eligible individuals, potentially resulting in better social integration and fewer associated health issues stemming from untreated hearing loss.

Summary

House Bill 05433 establishes a requirement for health insurance providers to cover hearing aids for individuals with a hearing loss of ninety percent or greater. The bill is designed to significantly enhance accessibility to necessary hearing aids for those with profound hearing loss, thereby improving quality of life and communication ability for affected individuals. As introduced by Representative Yaccarino, the proposal reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive coverage that supports individuals with various disabilities.

Contention

While the bill enjoys broad support for its intention to assist those with severe hearing impairments, there are potential points of contention that could arise during legislative discussions. One key concern is the fiscal impact on insurance companies, which may argue that mandated coverage could lead to increased premiums for policyholders. Additionally, there may be debates over the specific definitions of eligibility and affordability of the graduated deductible system proposed in the bill, as stakeholders work to balance accessibility with cost considerations to insurers.