Bill
HB 4944
Michigan HB 4944 requires insurers to cover hearing aids for minors (under 19) up to $3,000 per aid every 36 months, CPI-adjusted from 2026; hinges on HB 4963.
Status
- Introduced: Sept. 7, 2023 (sponsor Rep. Dale Zorn).
- Passed House: Dec. 3, 2024 (Roll Call #368: Yeas 76, Nays 29).
- Referred to Senate Committee on Health Policy: Dec. 5, 2024. (Committee activity and subsequent floor actions are reflected through May 2025 in the bill file.)
- Note: The bill is linked to HB 4963 and “does not take effect unless” that companion bill is also enacted.
Purpose / Intent
- Require health insurers that deliver, issue, or renew policies in Michigan to cover hearing aids for minors (qualified enrollees) to improve access to early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric hearing loss.
Key provisions
- Coverage required: Insurers must cover hearing aids selected by an audiologist after evaluation for a qualified enrollee.
- Coverage limit: Up to $3,000 per hearing aid every 36 months (per hearing aid). Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and each Jan. 1 thereafter, the maximum is adjusted annually by the Consumer Price Index.
- Cost-sharing: Insurers may apply applicable deductibles, co-insurance, or copays under the policy.
- Optional upgrade: A family may choose a device above the limit and must pay the difference.
- Eligibility (“qualified enrollee”): All of the following must apply — (1) the enrollee is under 19 years of age; (2) an audiologist has evaluated the enrollee for hearing loss; and (3) following that audiology evaluation, an otolaryngologist has medically evaluated the child, determined they are a candidate for a hearing aid, and referred them back to the audiologist for selection/fitting.
- HSA/QHP exception: The section does not apply to a qualified health plan after the deductible is met for a health savings account to the extent necessary to preserve federal tax treatment (per IRS rules).
- Definitions provided for “audiologist” and “hearing aid.”
Scope / Effective date
- Applies to health insurance policies delivered, issued, amended, adjusted, or renewed in Michigan (and policies outside MI covering Michigan residents) beginning January 1, 2026 (per the substitute language).
- The bill will not take effect unless HB 4963 (which requires coverage for hearing‑related services and devices) is also enacted.
Stakeholders / Fiscal impact
- Supporters (testimony/letters): Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan State University, school districts, advocacy groups for deaf/hard-of-hearing children, audiology and nursing organizations. Arguments emphasized improved access and earlier intervention.
- Opponents: Michigan Association of Health Plans, Michigan Chamber of Commerce (concerns typically about insurer costs/premiums).
- House Fiscal Agency: No fiscal impact on the Department of Insurance and Financial Services or other state/local units.
Related bill
- HB 4963 (companion) — requires coverage for hearing-related services and devices (audiological exams, earmolds, repairs, auditory training, remote microphones, etc.). Both bills must be enacted for either to take effect.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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