Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.
Impact
The implications of S0120 are substantial, particularly in how health insurance policies are structured in Rhode Island. By mandating a higher coverage limit, the bill seeks to alleviate financial burdens on individuals and families who rely on hearing aids. It will affect all individual and group health insurance contracts issued in the state, ensuring a broader range of the population can afford these necessary aids, particularly benefiting younger individuals who may need frequent replacements.
Summary
Bill S0120 aims to increase the insurance coverage for hearing aids from $1,500 to $1,750 per ear, applicable to all individuals, regardless of age, effective January 1, 2026. This change reflects an acknowledgment of the rising costs associated with hearing aids, which can be a significant barrier to individuals requiring these devices for improved hearing capacity. This bill is intended to enhance the affordability of hearing aids, thereby promoting accessibility for those in need of such medical devices.
Contention
While the bill is largely seen as a positive step toward accessibility and improvement of quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments, there could be concerns regarding its impact on insurers. Critics may argue that increased coverage limits could lead to higher premiums or stricter controls by insurance companies regarding the types of covered hearing aids. Additionally, there is the question of how these changes will affect available options for policyholders if cost adjustments are made by insurers in response to the new mandates.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, per ear, for all people regardless of age.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to two thousand dollars, per ear, every three years for all people regardless of age.
Increases the amount of exemption from sales tax for clothing including footwear from two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to five hundred dollars ($500). Effective July 1, 2023.
Increases the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
Increases the penalty for violations of the care of dogs statute to a minimum fine of one hundred dollars ($100) and a maximum fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per violation.
Increases the net taxable estate exemption to three million six hundred thousand dollars ($3,600,000) on January 1, 2025. Also increases the exemption by one million dollars ($1,000,000) on January 1 per year thereafter.
Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.
Increases the income range up to fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) and tax credit up to eight hundred fifty dollars ($850), for elderly and disabled persons who own or rent their homes.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to two thousand dollars, per ear, every three years for all people regardless of age.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars, per ear, for all people regardless of age.
Increases insurance coverage for hearing aids from one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) to one thousand seven hundred fifty dollars ($1,750), per ear, for all people regardless of age effective January 1, 2026.