SB 6394 - DIGEST

Establishes the hearing disability parity act.

Requires each group contract for comprehensive health care services which is entered into, or renewed on or after January 1, 2017, to: (1) Include coverage for hearing aids for children under the age of eighteen when medically necessary; and

(2) Offer optional coverage for hearing aids for adults.

Requires a health plan offered to employees and their covered dependents, under state health care authority laws, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2017, to include coverage for hearing aids for children under the age of eighteen when medically necessary.

Requires the medical assistance coverage offered to children, under chapter 74.09 RCW (DSHS--medical care), issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2017, to include coverage for hearing aids for children under the age of twenty when medically necessary.