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March 4, 2002 (HB 1396 Update Report (Hearing Aid Insurance))
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HB 1396 was
introduced by Representative Chuck Graham on 1/9/02. It was referred
to the House Insurance Committee and had a public hearing on
1/24/02. It was amended and had a second public hearing by that
committee on 2/12/02. HB 1396 requires health insurance entities to
provide coverage for hearing aids for dependent children up to 19
years of age. The bill would require health insurance entities to
provide at least $1,250 in benefits coverage for each ear with a
hearing loss a maximum of once every three years. Deductibles or
co-payments cannot exceed 20% of the actual covered service costs.
Although the Missouri Commission for the Deaf would like to see a
higher benefit maximum, and would like to see the bill cover all
persons, not just dependent children, the Commission supports HB
1396 as a step forward in providing insurance coverage of assistive
technology that for many hard of hearing people is vitally needed
for independent living. Supporters of this bill should now contact
members of the House Insurance Committee and ask them to vote the
bill out of committee with a "Do Pass" recommendation.
Members of that committee are as follows:
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This
report is being posted by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf for
your information purposes.
3-03-02 |
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