KRS 304.17A-132: Coverage for hearing aids. (Effective until January 1, 2027)

(1) As used in this section:

(a) "Hearing aid" means any wearable, nondisposable instrument or device

designed to aid or compensate for impaired human hearing and any parts,

attachments, or accessories, including earmolds, but excluding batteries and

cords; and

(b) "Related services" means those services necessary to assess, select, and

appropriately adjust or fit the hearing aid to ensure optimal performance.

(2) A health benefit p lan shall provide coverage, subject to all applicable copayments,

coinsurance, deductibles, and out -of-pocket limits, for the full cost of one (1)

hearing aid per hearing -impaired ear up to one thousand four hundred dollars

($1,400) every thirty-six (36) months for hearing aids for insured individuals under

eighteen (18) years of age and all related services which shall be prescribed by an

audiologist licensed under KRS Chapter 334A and dispensed by an audiologist or

hearing instrument specialist licensed u nder KRS Chapter 334. The insured may

choose a higher priced hearing aid and may pay the difference in cost above the one

thousand four hundred dollar ($1,400) limit as provided in this section without any

financial or contractual penalty to the insured or to the provider of the hearing aid.

(3) A health benefit plan shall not be required to pay a claim filed by its insured for

payment of the cost of a hearing aid under the coverage required by subsection (2)

of this section if less than three (3) years pri or to the date of the claim its insured

filed a claim for payment of the cost of a hearing aid under the required coverage

and the claim was paid by any health benefit plan.

Effective: July 15, 2002