Fifteen states have introduced legislation in 2013 that would mandate that insurance policies cover hearing aids, including Georgia where HB 74 was introduced after local champions modified language at the request of HIA that would have inadvertently restricted access to certain hearing aids. Most states will consider legislation that mandates coverage for children; however, five states have introduced bills that would mandate coverage for people of all ages. Currently, 20 states mandate that insurance policies cover hearing aids, although only two (NH and RI) mandate coverage for people of all ages.
In Alabama, State Rep Todd has introduced HB 316 that would regulate repair and refund policies for assistive devices including hearing aids. The bill would require hearing aid manufacturers to repair or fully refund the cost of hearing aids to consumers after following specific procedures. The legislation resembles "lemon law" legislation that is on the books in many other states.
