1. A.

   1. 1. Any group health insurance or health benefit plan agreement, contract or policy, including the State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board and any indemnity plan, not-for-profit hospital or medical service or indemnity contract, prepaid or managed care plan or provider agreement, and Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) or employer self-insured plan, except as exempt under federal ERISA provisions, that is offered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of this act shall provide coverage for audiological services and hearing aids for children up to eighteen (18) years of age.

   2. 2. Such coverage:

      1. a. shall only apply to hearing aids that are prescribed, filled and dispensed by a licensed audiologist, and
      2. b. may limit the hearing aid benefit payable for each hearing-impaired ear to every forty-eight (48) months; provided, however, such coverage may provide for up to four additional ear molds per year for children up to two (2) years of age.
2. B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to extend the practice or privileges of any health care provider beyond that provided in the laws governing the provider’s practice and privileges.
3. C. This requirement shall not apply to agreements, contracts or policies that provide coverage for a specified disease or other limited benefit coverage, or groups with fifty or fewer employees.

Added by Laws 1998, HB 2313, c. 66, § 1, eff. November 1, 1999; Amended by Laws 2002, SB 1641, c. 30, § 1, eff. November 1, 2002 (superseded document available).