Relating To Hearing Aids.
The bill significantly impacts existing health care regulations as it amends the Hawaii Revised Statutes to ensure that both individual and group accident and health insurance policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2021, include this coverage for hearing aids. The new provisions exclude certain limited benefit plans and set a standard for insurers regarding how hearing aid costs should be handled. By mandating this coverage, the legislation aligns Hawaii more closely with approximately twenty other states that already have similar requirements, thus enhancing accessibility for residents with hearing impairments.
House Bill 839 seeks to mandate health insurance coverage for hearing aids in Hawaii. This legislation addresses the growing concern regarding the high costs associated with hearing aids, which can average around $3,000 each, making them unaffordable for many residents. The bill specifies a minimum coverage benefit of $1,500 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every thirty-six months. This requirement aims to alleviate the financial burden on families, especially those with multiple individuals needing hearing assistance due to genetic conditions or other health issues.
Despite the positive implications for accessibility, there are concerns regarding the implementation and potential costs for insurance providers. Some worry about the financial impact on health insurers and whether they may need to raise premiums in response to the added liability. Additionally, the bill holds a provision that allows policyholders to choose hearing aids that exceed the stipulated coverage amount without facing financial penalties; however, the inclusion of deductibles and co-payments may still create barriers for low-income families. This nuanced aspect of the bill could lead to debates over equitable healthcare access and the burdens on those who rely on such provisions.