NHIA Legislative Report 2011 Session
January 27, 2012

HAWAII S.B. 894 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland (D)

Summary: Current version (2/14/2011) requires health insurance policies and contracts to provide coverage for the cost of hearing aids in their base plans.

Introduced version (1/21/2011): http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/bills/SB894_.htm

Current version (2/14/2011): http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session2011/Bills/SB894_SD1_.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to Committees on Human Services, Commerce and Consumer Protection and Ways and Means 1/24/2011. Hearing held in HMS/CPN and reported favorably as amended 2/8/2011. Carried over to 2012 legislative session 5/5/2011

Outlook: This measure was reported favorably from the Committees on Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection February 8. In Hawaii, measures must be passed by multiple committees of referral in order to be considered on the floor. The sponsor of this measure is a member of the majority party and chairs the Human Services Committee. She currently serves as Majority Whip. In Hawaii, the Democrats have a super majority in both chambers and control of the Executive Office.

ILLINOIS H.B. 1727 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Representative Rosemary Mulligan (R)

Summary: Provides that group and individual policies of accident and health insurance and managed care plans must provide coverage for: 1) operations to implant cochlear implants and post-treatment services for children identified within one year of birth as being deaf or hearing impaired; and 2) audiological services and hearing aids for children up to 18 years of age.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/97/HB/PDF/09700HB1727lv.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to House Rules Committee 2/16/2011. Assigned to House Insurance Committee 2/22/2011. Hearing held 3/1/2011. Hearing held 3/8/2011. Hearing held 3/15/2011. Referred to House Rules Committee under Rule 19a 3/17/2011.

Outlook: This measure was rereferred to the House Rules Committee in accordance with Rule 19a because it failed to meet the March 17, 2011, committee reporting deadline.

The General Assembly convened January 11.

ILLINOIS S.B. 71 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Ira Silverstein (D)

Summary: Current version (3/16/2011) requires an insurer to offer, for an additional premium and subject to the insurer’s standard of insurability, optional coverage for the reasonable and necessary medical treatment for audiological services and hearing aids; requiring an insurer to provide coverage for up to $2,500 per hearing aid per insured’s hearing impaired ear subject to certain restrictions.

Current version (3/16/2011): http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/97/SB/PDF/09700SB0071sam001.pdf

Introduced version (1/27/2011): http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/97/SB/PDF/09700SB0071lv.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Insurance 1/27/2011. Hearing held 3/9/2011. Hearing held, passed committee as amended 3/16/2011. Referred to Committee on Insurance 4/8/2011. Committee on Insurance recommends Senate Do Adopt Senate floor amendment 2 4/12/2011. Established third reading deadline 4/15/2011. Referred to Senate Assignments Committee pursuant to Rule 3-9b 7/23/2011.

Outlook: This measure had been re-referred to the Senate Assignments Committee in accordance with Rule 3-9b. Rule 3-9b states that all legislative measures, with the exception of resolutions to amend the State Constitution, pending before the Senate or any of its committees shall automatically be re-referred to the Committee on Assignments on the 31st consecutive day that the Senate has not convened for session unless: (i) this Rule has been suspended in accordance with Rule 7-17; or (ii) the Committee on Assignments has issued a written exception to the Secretary prior to that 31st day.

The measure had another floor amendment filed and was rereferred to the Committee on Insurance, which reported the amendment as Do Adopt.

This measure passed committee as amended by a unanimous vote and has been placed on the calendar for consideration by the full Senate. Legislative leadership will determine when a vote is held on this measure.

The amendment replaces provisions requiring coverage for prescribed hearing aids for all individuals with provisions requiring an insurer to offer, for an additional premium and subject to the insurer’s standard of insurability, optional coverage for the reasonable and necessary medical treatment for audiological services and hearing aids.

The sponsor is a member of the majority party and is a member of the committee of referral. The sponsor has gathered no cosponsors. Co-sponsorship is seen as vital to moving legislation through the Illinois General Assembly. Democrats control both Legislative chambers, as well as the Governor’s Office.
The General Assembly convened January 11.

Effective Date: Immediately

ILLINOIS S.B. 2546 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Ira Silverstein (D)

Summary: Requires health insurers or HMOs to cover hearing instruments and related services for all individuals when a hearing care professional prescribes a hearing instrument. Requires coverage for up to $2,500 per hearing aid per insured’s hearing impaired ear subject to one prescribed every 36 months or at any time if a significant change in hearing occurs and at all times for related services such as repairs when prescribed by a hearing care professional.

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/97/SB/PDF/09700SB2546lv.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to the Assignments Committee 12/13/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party and is the Senate Majority Whip. This legislation will be a priority of the sponsor in the 2012 session according to staff. The bill will likely receive a new committee assignment for the 2012 session. Democrats control both chambers of the legislature and the Governor’s office.

The General Assembly convened January 11.

MASSACHUSETTS H.B. 1223 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Representative Linda Forry (D)

Summary: Imposes a moratorium on all new mandated health benefit legislation until July 31, 2012, or until the rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for medical care services as reported by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics remains at zero or below zero for two consecutive years.

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/House/H01223

Status: Introduced and referred to Joint Committee on Health Care Financing 1/24/2011. Committee hearing held 10/3/2011.

Outlook: This measure was heard in committee October 3. Testimony was accepted and a vote was not taken. The measure was left pending in committee where it awaits further consideration.

The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party and does not sit on the committee of referral. Committees are required to act on all of the bills referred to them. Bills often wait long periods before being heard. Democrats control both chambers as well as the Office of the Governor.

MASSACHUSETTS S.B. 421 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator James Eldridge (D)

Summary: Mandates that an individual policy of accident and sickness insurance shall provide coverage for auditory implant systems, including the surgery necessary to place such systems, in children, as well as for post-surgery services including audiology programming, external device updates, and speech therapy support.

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/Senate/S00421

Status: Introduced and referred to Joint Committee on Financial Services 1/24/2011. Hearing held 6/28/2011.

Outlook: This measure was heard in committee June 28. Testimony was accepted and a vote was not taken. The measure was left pending in committee where it awaits further consideration.

The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party and does not sit on the committee of referral. Committees are required to act on all of the bills referred to them. Bills often wait long periods before being heard. Democrats control both chambers as well as the Office of the Governor.

MASSACHUSETTS S.B. 426 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Jack Hart (D)

Summary: Mandates that any policy of accident and sickness insurance shall provide coverage for two hearing aids every three years, unless a policyholder voluntarily obtains such hearing aids from an out-of-network health care provider.

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/Senate/S00426

Status: Introduced and referred to Joint Committee on Financial Services 1/24/2011. Hearing held 6/28/2011.

Outlook: This measure was heard in committee June 28. Testimony was accepted but none was given and a vote was not taken. The measure was left pending in committee where it awaits further consideration.

The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party and does not sit on the committee of referral. He serves as Majority Whip. Committees are required to act on all of the bills referred to them. Bills often wait long periods before being heard. Democrats control both chambers as well as the Office of the Governor.

MASSACHUSETTS S.B. 429 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Brian Joyce (D)

Summary: Provides that every individual or group health insurance contract shall be required to provide coverage for the cost of hearing aids up to $1,500 per individual hearing aid, per ear, every three years for anyone under the age of 18 years, and shall provide coverage for $1,000 per individual hearing aid, per ear, every three years for anyone of the age of 18 years and older.

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/187/Senate/S00429

Status: Introduced and referred to Joint Committee on Financial Services 1/24/2011. Hearing held 6/28/2011.

Outlook: This measure was heard in committee June 28. Testimony was accepted and a vote was not taken. The measure was left pending in committee where it awaits further consideration.

The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party and is vice chair of the committee of referral. Committees are required to act on all of the bills referred to them. Bills often wait long periods before being heard. Democrats control both chambers as well as the Office of the Governor.

MINNESOTA H.F. 51 – BEHAVIORAL HEALTH COVERAGE, DENTAL COVERAGE, GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES, MANAGED CARE, MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY), MEDICAID MANAGED CARE, MENTAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PARITY, PPOS, PROMPT PAYMENT, PROVIDER CONTRACTS, VISION COVERAGE

Sponsor: Representative Jeff Hayden (DFL)

Summary: Establishes the Minnesota Health Plan, the Minnesota Health Fund, and the Minnesota Health Board to manage and administer a statewide health care program in place of existing structures.

Includes as covered benefits the following: medical equipment, appliances, and assistive technology, including prosthetics, eyeglasses, and hearing aids and their repair.

http://wdoc.house.leg.state.mn.us/leg/LS87/HF0051.0.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to House Health and Human Services Reform Committee 1/10/2011. Carried over upon adjournment 5/23/2011.

Outlook: The bill sponsor, Representative Jeff Hayden (DFL), is a member of the minority party and does not serve on the committee of referral, the House Health and Human Services Reform Committee. This committee was created by House Republican Leadership this year. The bill has eleven additional cosponsors, all members of the minority party. Several cosponsors serve on the committee of referral, including Representative Tina Liebling (DFL), the ranking member of the committee of referral. The sponsor has not gathered a bipartisan coalition in support of this measure. Bipartisan support is seen as an important indicator for a bill’s prospects as Republicans control both legislative chambers, while the Democrats control the Governor’s Office.

A companion measure has been introduced in the Senate (S.F. and was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Companion Bill: 2011 S.F. 8

Effective Date: The day following its enactment.

NEBRASKA L.B. 223 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Russ Karpisek (I)

Summary: Requires an individual or group sickness and accident insurance policy (excluding short-term major medical policies of 6 months or less, policies that cover a specific disease, or self-funded employee benefit plans) to provide coverage for single or bilateral cochlear implants for persons diagnosed with severe to profound hearing impairment.

http://nebraskalegislature.gov/FloorDocs/Current/PDF/Intro/LB223.pdf

Status: Introduced 1/10/2011. Referred to the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee 1/12/2011. Hearing held 2/14/2011. Carried over to 2012 legislative session 5/26/2011.

Outlook: This is a carry over bill from the 2011 legislative session.

The bill was heard but not acted on at the February 14 hearing. It is common for bills to receive more than one hearing but the bill can be reported from the committee at any time now that the required public hearing has been held.

Cosponsorship, which this measure lacks, is seen as crucial to moving bills through the Legislature.

Nebraska is a non-partisan unicameral Legislature. Each Senator may select one priority bill, each committee may select two priority bills, and the Speaker may select 25. Senators may select bills as priority bills that are not their own bills.

NEW HAMPSHIRE H.B. 309 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Representative John Hunt (R)

Summary: Repeals the following insurance coverage mandates: 1) certified midwives; 2) the cost of testing for bone marrow donation; 3) the continuation of group health insurance in the event of divorce or legal separation; 4) children’s early intervention therapy services; 5) obesity and morbid obesity; 6) diagnosis and treatment of pervasive developmental disorder or autism; and 7) persons having deafness and hearing loss.

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2011/HB0309.html

Status: Introduced and referred to House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee 1/21/2011. Hearing held 2/24/2011. Retained in committee 3/9/2011.

Outlook: The committee has determined to retain this measure. By retaining this measure in committee, the committee will not be taking further action on it this legislative session. The committee is expected to study this issue in the interim and determine by November 2 whether to consider this measure for legislation in the 2012 session.

The bill sponsor, Representative John Hunt (R), is a member of the majority party and chairs the committee of referral, the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee. The bill has no additional cosponsors. This bill does not enjoy bipartisan support, which is an important indicator for the bill’s final disposition as the Governor’s Office and General Court are controlled by different parties.

Effective Date: 60 days after passage

NEW YORK A.B. 1983 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D)

Summary: Requires all health insurance policies to provide insurance coverage for the cost of hearing aids. Provides that such coverage shall include coverage of at least $3,000 over a four year period. Provides that children under the age of 16 are allowed reimbursement for additional expenses if needed.

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/-1_NY AB 1983.pdf

Status: Introduced, referred to Assembly Insurance Committee 1/12/2011.

Outlook: This bill has been introduced by a member of the majority party in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Committee on Insurance, of which the sponsor is not a member. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. This measure does not enjoy bipartisan cosponsors. Measures in the New York Legislature can be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

NEW YORK A.B. 2621 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Assemblymember Rhoda Jacobs (D)

Summary: Requires every insurance policy which provides coverage for hospital, surgical or medical care to provide coverage for annual examinations and evaluations, and to also provide coverage for speech language pathology examinations and evaluations which are recommended by a licensed physician, a licensed audiologist or a licensed speech-language pathologist after completion of an audiological examination and evaluation subject to an annual deductible or coinsurance.

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/-1_NY AB 2621.pdf

Status: Introduced, referred to Assembly Insurance Committee 1/19/2011.

Outlook: This bill has been introduced by a member of the majority party in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Committee on Insurance, of which the sponsor is a member. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. This measure does not enjoy bipartisan cosponsors. This legislation is a refile of A.B. 376, a bill introduced during the previous legislative session. That measure failed upon adjournment in its committee of referral, the Assembly Committee on Insurance. Measures in the New York Legislature can be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

NEW YORK A.B. 3907 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Assemblymember Joseph Morelle (D)

Summary: Requires all health insurance policies to provide insurance coverage for the cost of hearing aids. Provides that such coverage shall include coverage of at least $1,000 over a three year period. Provides that children under the age of 16 are allowed reimbursement for expenses related to the purchase of up to two hearing aids.

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/-1_NY AB 3907.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to committee on Assembly Insurance 1/28/2011

Outlook: This bill has been introduced by a member of the majority party in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Committee on Insurance, of which the sponsor is not a member. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. This measure does not enjoy bipartisan cosponsors. This legislation is a refile of A.B. 5243, a bill introduced during the previous legislative session. That measure failed upon adjournment in its committee of referral, the Assembly Committee on Insurance. Measures in the New York Legislature can be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

This measure has a companion in the Senate, S.B. 3864, introduced by Senator James Alesi (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 3864

NEW YORK A.B. 4339 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Assemblymember Mike Spano (D)

Summary: Requires all insurance policies and medical assistance to provide coverage for medically necessary hearing aids for children under 16 years of age.

http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&bn=a4339%09%09&Summary=Y&Text=Y

Status: Introduced and referred to Assembly Committee on Insurance 2/3/2011. Enacting Clause Stricken 12/6/2011.

Outlook: The enacting clause has been stricken from this measure. Striking enacting clauses is used as a method of killing bills in New York. This bill is unlikely to receive further consideration this session.

This bill was introduced by a member of the majority party in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Committee on Insurance, of which the sponsor is a member. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. Measures in the New York Legislature can be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

This measure has a companion in the Senate, S.B. 3379, sponsored by Assemblymember Roy McDonald (R).

Companion Bill: 2011 S.B. 3379

NEW YORK A.B. 8204 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Assemblymember Carl Heastie (D)

Summary: Requires medical or similar comprehensive type coverage include coverage for Tinnitus testing and treatment.

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/-1_NY AB 8204.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to committee on Assembly Insurance 6/6/2011.

Outlook: This bill has been introduced by a member of the majority party in the Assembly and referred to the Assembly Committee on Insurance, of which the sponsor is not a member. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. This measure does not enjoy bipartisan cosponsors. Measures in the New York Legislature can be brought up at anytime, even after long periods of inactivity.

NEW YORK A.B. 8938 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Assemblymember Matthew Titone (D)

Summary: Requires insurers to provide insurance coverage for the cost of medically necessary hearing aids for children under the age of 16.

http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A08938&term=&Text=Y

Status: Introduced and referred to Assembly Insurance Committee 1/4/2012.

Outlook: This bill has been introduced by a member of the majority party in the Assembly. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. This measure currently does not enjoy bipartisan cosponsors.

NEW YORK S.B. 3379 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Roy McDonald (R)

Summary: Requires all insurance policies and medical assistance to provide coverage for medically necessary hearing aids for children under 16 years of age.

http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=%0D%0A&bn=s3379%09&Summary=Y&Text=Y

Status: Introduced and referred to Senate Committee on Insurance 2/17/2011.

Outlook: This bill has been introduced by a member of the majority party in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance, of which the sponsor is not a member. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. This measure currently does not enjoy bipartisan cosponsors. Republican control of the Senate may strengthen this measure’s prospects of navigating successfully through the legislative process.

This measure has a companion in the Assembly, A.B. 4339.

Companion Bill: 2011 A.B. 4339

NEW YORK S.B. 3864 – MANDATED BENEFITS, MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator James Alesi (R)

Summary: Requires all health insurance policies to provide insurance coverage for the cost of hearing aids. Provides that such coverage shall include coverage of at least $1,000 over a three year period. Provides that children under the age of 16 are allowed reimbursement for expenses related to the purchase of up to two hearing aids

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/141849_NY SB 3864.pdf

Status: Introduced, referred to Insurance Committee 3/8/2011.

Outlook: This bill has been introduced by a member of the majority party in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance, of which the sponsor is not a member. As the chambers are held by different parties, bipartisan cosponsors are an important indicator of a measure’s likelihood of success. This measure currently does not enjoy bipartisan cosponsors. This measure is a refile of S.B. 529, a bill introduced during the previous legislative session, when the Democrats were in control of the Senate. That bill failed upon adjournment in its committee of referral, the Senate Committee on Insurance. Republican control of the Senate may strengthen this measure’s prospects of navigating successfully through the legislative process.

This measure has a companion in the Assembly, A.B. 3907, sponsored by Assemblymember Joseph Morelle (D).

Companion Bill: 2011 A.B. 3907

RHODE ISLAND H.B. 5859 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Representative Robert Jacquard (D)

Summary: Requires health insurance providers to provide coverage for FDA approved implantable hearing restorative or assistive devices per ear.

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/-1_Rhode Island HB 5859.pdf

Status: Introduced, and referred to House Health Education and Welfare Committee 3/8/2011. Hearing held 4/13/2011.

Outlook: The House Health Education and Welfare Committee recommended that this legislation be held for further study. A hearing has not been rescheduled yet.

The sponsor of this legislation is a member of the majority party, but he is not a member of the committee of referral. This legislation has garnered two co-sponsors, who are also members of the majority party, these legislators are Representatives Arthur Handy (D), member of the committee of referral; and Edith H. Ajello (D).

RHODE ISLAND S.B. 460 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Hanna Gallo (D)

Summary: Requires every insurance policy, contract or plan issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2012 to provide coverage for communication access services for the deaf or hard-of hearing. Excludes equipment that is purchased as part of the accomodations for communication access.

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/141797_Rhode Island SB 460.pdf

Status: Introduced, and referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee 3/10/2011. Hearing held 3/23/2011. Hearing held 4/6/2011. Hearing held 4/13/2011.

Outlook: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee recommended that this legislation be held for further study. A hearing has not been rescheduled yet.

The sponsor of this legislation is a member of the majority party, but she is not a member of the committee of referral. This measure is co-sponsored by Senator William A. Walaska (D). Senator Walaska is a member of the Leadership in the Senate, as he is the Senate Deputy Majority Whip, but he is not a member of the committee of referral.

RHODE ISLAND S.B. 477 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Senator Hanna Gallo (D)

Summary: Requires health insurance providers to provide coverage for FDA approved implantable hearing restorative or assistive devices per ear.

http://www.stateside.com/Attachments/141891_Rhode Island SB 477.pdf

Status: Introduced, and referred to Senate Health and Human Services Committee 3/10/2011. Hearing held by Senate Health and Human Services Committee 3/23/2011. Hearing held by Senate Health and Human Services Committee 4/6/2011. Hearing held by Senate Health and Human Services Committee 4/13/2011.

Outlook: The Senate Health and Human Services Committee recommended that this legislation be held for further study. A hearing has not been rescheduled yet.

The sponsor of this legislation is a member of the majority party, but she is not a member of the committee of referral. This measure has garnered two co-sponsors who are also members of the majority party, Senators James E. Doyle II (D) and William A. Walaska (D), who is also Deputy Majority Leader.

SOUTH CAROLINA H.B. 4553 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Representative Chip Huggins (R)

Summary: Requires group health insurance and group health benefits plans to cover hearing aids and replacement hearing aids for an insured individual who is hearing impaired and under 21 years of age.

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess119_2011-2012/bills/4553.htm

Status: Introduced, referred to Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee 1/10/2012.

Outlook: The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party and is not a member of the committee of referral. The bill has not garnered the support of cosponsors. Republicans control both chambers of the General Assembly and the Governor’s office.

VERMONT H.B. 492 – MANDATED BENEFITS (HEARING/AUDIOLOGY)

Sponsor: Representative Anne Mook (D)

Summary: Requires health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids.

http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/2012/bills/Intro/H-492.pdf

Status: Introduced and referred to Health Care Committee 1/5/2012.

Outlook: The bill sponsor is a member of the majority party and does not sit on the committee of referral. This legislation has six cosponsors who are all members of the minority party. This bill has not been scheduled for a hearing. Democrats control both chambers of the General Assembly as well as the office of the Governor.