Hearing Aid Health Insurance Coverage
The proposed changes aim to improve access to necessary medical devices for those with hearing impairments, particularly benefitting children and adults who rely on hearing aids. By legally defining hearing aids as durable medical equipment and specifying coverage requirements, the legislation seeks to relieve financial burdens on families and individuals who might otherwise struggle to afford these vital health tools. The bill also allows for the purchase of additional coverage beyond the mandated services, catering to those who may need more extensive support.
House Bill 174, introduced by Representative Christine Trujillo, amends certain sections of the New Mexico Insurance Code and the Health Care Purchasing Act to enhance the coverage of hearing aids for insured persons. It mandates that group health insurance policies provide coverage for hearing aids and related services when prescribed by a licensed professional. The bill outlines specific criteria for coverage, limiting benefits to one hearing aid per ear within a twenty-four month period and ensuring that the coverage amount is no less than $2,200 per aid, regardless of whether they are for adults or children.
While the bill presents significant advancements in healthcare coverage, potential points of contention may arise regarding its implementation. Issues could include the extent to which insurers might still impose deductibles and coinsurance for hearing aid coverage, which could affect the affordability of devices if patients are required to pay out of pocket for additional costs. The exclusion of certain policies, such as short-term or accident-only plans from the mandate, may also be debated, raising questions about the limits of coverage and the potential gaps in services for certain populations.