Hawaii Senate Bill SR121

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/12/25

Caption

Requesting The Auditor To Assess The Social And Financial Effects Of Mandating Health Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids.

Impact

The suggested assessment is in accordance with Hawaii Revised Statutes section 23-51, which requires a thorough evaluation before any mandates on health insurance coverage can be legislated. This resolution aims to gather important data regarding the frequency of hearing aid replacements, cost limitations on current benefits, and whether existing standards are equitable for adults and minors alike. The findings could influence future legislation regarding mandatory coverage, potentially improving access to necessary devices for a vulnerable segment of the population impacted by age-related hearing loss.

Summary

Senate Resolution 121 (SR121) proposes to request the Auditor of Hawaii to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the social and financial impacts of mandating health insurance coverage for hearing aids. Responding to significant statistics from the National Institutes of Health, which indicate a high prevalence of hearing loss among seniors, this resolution seeks to address both the healthcare access and financial burdens faced by individuals requiring hearing aids. The costs associated with hearing aids are substantial, often exceeding $3,000 per unit, which presents a significant challenge for many families, especially considering that multiple family members may require them due to genetic factors related to hearing loss.

Contention

Previous discussions have highlighted concerns over the cessation of auditor assessments related to earlier proposed measures without consultation with key stakeholders such as the Deaf and Blind Task Force. The resolution underscores a clamor for clearer guidelines surrounding health insurance mandates, particularly about the frequency of hearing aid replacements and the necessity of assessing new technologies in this field. By articulating these needs, SR121 aims to bring about a more informed policymaking environment that advocates for the requirements of individuals with hearing disabilities.