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Bill

SB 2838

INS-HEARING CARE PLAN

104th Regular Session Introduced by Dee Avelar and 5 co-sponsors

Illinois bill mandating insurance coverage for hearing care services to improve access to audiological treatment and hearing aids for state residents.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 2838

Legislative bill overview

SB 2838 proposes to establish a hearing care plan provision within Illinois insurance regulations. The bill, sponsored by Senator Julie Morrison, was filed and received its first reading on January 13, 2026. The legislation is currently in the assignment stage and would require insurance plans to cover or address hearing care services.

Why is this important

Hearing loss affects millions of Americans and can significantly impact quality of life, cognitive function, and social engagement, yet hearing care remains expensive and often inadequately covered by insurance. Mandating hearing care coverage through insurance plans could improve accessibility to audiological services and hearing aids for Illinois residents. This type of legislation reflects growing recognition that hearing health is essential healthcare.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Insurance providers may argue that mandatory hearing care coverage will increase premiums or reduce profitability, while advocates counter that early intervention reduces long-term healthcare costs
  • Scope and coverage details: Unclear what specific services, devices, and frequency of care would be covered, which could affect whether the plan is comprehensive enough to be meaningful
  • Definition of "hearing care plan": The bill title suggests structural requirements but specifics on copays, deductibles, network providers, and age eligibility are not yet detailed in available information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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