WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2187

insurance coverage; hearing aids; children

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Julie Willoughby

Arizona bill requiring health insurers to cover hearing aids for children to reduce financial barriers to treating pediatric hearing loss.

House Second Reading
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2187

Legislative bill overview

HB 2187 would require health insurance plans in Arizona to cover hearing aids for children. The bill mandates that insurers include hearing aid coverage as part of their standard benefits for pediatric patients, likely with certain parameters around medical necessity and age limits.

Why is this important

Hearing loss affects approximately 1-3 per 1,000 newborns and impacts speech development, educational outcomes, and social integration. Without insurance coverage, hearing aid costs ($1,000-$6,000+ per device, needing replacement as children grow) create significant financial barriers for families, potentially leaving children without necessary treatment.

Potential points of contention

  • Insurance cost implications: Insurers may argue the mandate increases premiums for all policyholders and reduces their flexibility in plan design
  • Scope and limits: Questions about age caps, number of devices covered per year, replacement frequency, and whether coverage includes only basic or advanced hearing aids
  • Medical necessity criteria: Disagreement over what degree of hearing loss qualifies, who determines medical necessity, and appeals processes for denied claims
  • Existing coverage gaps: Unclear whether bill addresses Medicaid coverage (already mandated in many states) or focuses only on private insurance

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

Sign in to ask a question.