A. 1. Any health benefit plan 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. Such coverage:
a.shall only apply to hearing aids that are prescribed, filled and dispensed by a licensed audiologist, and
b.may limit the hearing aid benefit payable for each hearing-impaired ear to every forty-eight (48) months; provided, however, coverage may provide for up to four additional ear molds per year for children up to two (2) years of age.
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 practice and privileges of the provider.
C. As used in this section, “health benefit plan” means any plan or arrangement as defined in subsection C of Section 6060.4 of this title.
Added by Laws 1999, c. 136, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999. Amended by Laws 2002, c. 30, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2002; Laws 2010, c. 222, § 37, eff. Nov. 1, 2010.