Updated: June 9, 2010

Arkansas (HB 1930 / Act 1179) in effect 1/2010
Covered – Does not mandate coverage of the cost of hearing aids but rather requires insurance companies to offer coverage to employers in the state. However, if the employer chooses to add this option, the health plan must provide hearing aid coverage of no less than $1,400 per ear every three years for individuals of all ages.
Limit - $1,400 per aid, every 3 years

Connecticut (SB 136) in effect 10/2001
Covered – Children under 12
Limit – $1,000 total, every 24 months

Colorado (CO SB 057) in effect 1/2009
Covered – Children under 18
Limit – 1 hearing aid per ear every 5 years, no limit on cost but deductibles and co-pays may apply

Delaware (DE HB 355) in effect 1/2009
Covered – Children under 18
Limit – $1,000 per aid, 1 hearing aid per ear every 36 months

Kentucky (KRS 304.17A-132) in effect 2002
Covered – Children under 18 and state employees (state employees were added to the coverage list as of last legislative session)
Limit – $1,400 per aid, every 36 months

Louisiana (La R.S. 22:215.25) in effect 1/2004
Covered – Children under 18
Limit – $1,400 per aid, every 36 months

Maine (ME LD 1514) in effect 1/2008, 1/2009, 1/2010
Covered – Children 5 and under took effect Jan. 1, 2008, children 6-13 takes effect Jan. 1, 2009, children 14-18 takes effect Jan. 1, 2010
Limit – $1,400 per aid, every 36 months

Maryland (HB 160) in effect 2002
Covered – Children under 18
Limit – $1,400 per aid, every 36 months

Minnesota (Minn. Stat. 62Q.675) in effect 8/2003
Covered – Children under 18
Limit – 1 hearing aid per ear, every 36 months, no limit on cost and no additional deductible or similar restriction

Missouri (376.1220 R.S. Mo) in effect 2004
Covered – Newborns coverage for screening, audiological assessment and hearing aid purchases
Limit – Coverage amount varies per need of newborn

New Hampshire (HB 561) in effect 1/2011
Covered – No age restrictions
Limit – $1,500 per hearing aid, per ear, once every 60 months

New Jersey (S. 467 / A. 1571) in effect 4/2009
Covered – Children 15 years old and younger
Limit – Coverage for $1,000 per aid, once every 2 years

New Mexico (SB 529) in effect 7/2007
Covered – Children under 18, or those under 21 if still enrolled in high school
Limit – $2,200 per ear, once every 36 months

North Carolina (HB 589) in effect 1/2011
Covered – Children under the age of 22
Limit – $2,500 per hearing aid, per ear, once every 36 months

Oklahoma (36 Okl. St. 6060.7) in effect 11/2002
Covered – Children under 18
Limit – None for hearing aid cost, once every 48 months

Oregon (HB 2589 / Chapter 553 - 2009 Laws) in effect 1/2010
Covered – Children under 18, dependents
Limit – $4,000 per aid, once every 48 months

Rhode Island (R.I. Gen. Stat. 27-19-51) in effect 1/2002
Covered – All ages
Limit – Increased in 2006 from $400 to $2,000, per hearing aid for those under 19. For all others, increased from $400 to $800, per hearing aid – once every three years for both groups

Wisconsin (SB 27 / 2009 Wisconsin Act 17) in effect 1/2010
Covered – Children under 18 (Hearing aids and cochlear implants)
Limit – None, covers the cost of one hearing aid per ear (once every 3 years), cochlear implants, and related therapy

HEARING AID DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

Georgia
House Bill 655 established a Hearing Aid Distribution Program. Funded by the TRS

• Income may not exceed 200% federal poverty guideline
• GA resident at least one year
• Recommended by licensed audiologist
• 18 or older. GA Medicaid covers children up to 18
• Sign agreement (covering maintenance and repair issues)