A new Illinois law that will take effect in January 2020, will require insurers to offer optional coverage for hearing aids and related services, according to an article on the WJOL website.
House Bill 3503, said to be “championed” by State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-IL), will require insurance companies to cover up to $2,500 of the cost per hearing aid every 24 months.
According to Bertino-Tarrant, who was quoted in the article, “There have been recent studies that have shown important links between hearing loss and feelings of depression or isolation. However, hearing aids are often a burdensome expense to seniors who are on a limited income to begin with. The goal of this legislation is to ensure this medically necessary equipment is financially accessible to Illinois residents.”
In 2018, Illinois was the 8th largest state in terms of hearing aid purchases with 101,516 net units sold by reporting members of the Hearing Industries Association (HIA). State mandates concerning insurance coverage for hearing aids are increasing. For example, lawmakers in Ohio are supporting a bill that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing aids for those age 21 and under.
To read the article in its entirety, please click here.
Source: WJOL
Editor’s Note: The article has been amended to clarify that the new bill will require insurers to offer optional coverage for hearing aids and related services.