Require insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids and related services to persons under age nineteen.
If enacted, SB89 will significantly influence state health care laws concerning coverage for audiological services. By requiring that health plans cover medically necessary devices for hearing impairment, the bill seeks to ensure that the financial burden associated with acquiring hearing aids is alleviated, thus improving the quality of life for affected children. The legislation stipulates strict coverage provisions starting from January 1, 2023, and establishes limits on benefits that aim to ensure reasonable access while managing costs for insurers.
Senate Bill 89 is a piece of legislation aimed at improving access to hearing aids and related services for individuals under the age of nineteen in South Dakota. The bill mandates that health benefit plans deliver comprehensive coverage that includes hearing aids purchased from licensed professionals, evaluation and fitting services, repairs, and auditory rehabilitation among other necessary treatments to manage hearing impairments. The intent behind this legislation is to ensure that those who are young and may suffer from hearing loss have the necessary support and resources to facilitate their development and communication skills as they grow.
Some potential points of contention surrounding SB89 involve discussions around the financial implications for insurance providers and how these mandated coverages could affect premiums for policyholders. Opponents might argue that requiring such coverage could lead to increased costs across the board for health insurance, although supporters contend that the long-term benefits of early intervention in hearing loss significantly outweigh the costs involved. Concerns may also arise regarding the specifics of what constitutes 'medically necessary' treatments and whether all audiological aids would be uniformly covered under the terms of the bill.