5179-S2 AMS VAND NEED 221

2SSB 5179 - S AMD 79

By Senator Van De Wege

NOT ADOPTED 03/06/2017

    On page 2, line 20 after "void." Insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 48.43 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Each health benefit plan entered into, or renewed on or after January 1, 2018, shall include coverage for hearing aids for children under the age of eighteen when medically necessary. Coverage must include a new hearing aid every five years, a new hearing aid when alterations to the existing hearing aid cannot meet the needs of the child, and services and supplies such as the initial assessment, fitting, adjustment, and auditory training.

(2) For purposes of this section, "hearing aid" or "hearing instrument" has the same meaning as in RCW 18.35.010.

(3) The hearing aid must be recommended by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist and dispensed by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid specialist."

2SSB 5179 S AMD

     By Senator Van De Wege

     On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "requiring", insert "coverage for hearing instruments; adding a new section to chapter 41.05 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 74.09 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 48.43 RCW; and creating a new section."

EFFECT:

· Adds a requirement that regulated health benefit plans include coverage for hearing aids for children under the age of 18

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