Bill Caption

Relating to health benefit plan coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants for certain individuals.

Fiscal Notes

From the Legislative Budget Board: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 490 would amend the Insurance Code to require a health benefit plan to provide coverage for the cost of a medically necessary hearing aid or cochlear implant for a covered individual 18 years or younger. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

By adding a new health insurance mandate, HB 490 violates the principles of limited government and free markets. Health insurance mandates only serve to drive up the cost of health insurance and healthcare services. Policymakers should instead focus on greatly decreasing the regulatory burden on these fields and allowing market competition to reduce costs, increase the array of choices available to consumers, and create innovative new ways of offering the insurance coverage people want at a price they can afford and are willing to pay. We oppose HB 490 for increasing the scope and cost of government regulations on health insurance.