Bill

A 2478

Requires certain group health insurance policies to provide coverage for hearing aids

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Paulin and 1 co-sponsor

Requires group health insurance policies to cover hearing aids, improving access and lowering out-of-pocket costs for enrollees; affects plans, insurers, employers, and providers.

REFERRED TO INSURANCE

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 2478

Bill A 2478 — Summary

Overview

Bill A 2478 would require certain group health insurance policies to provide coverage for hearing aids. The bill has been introduced and is currently referred to the Insurance Committee.

Purpose and Intent

Establishes a mandated coverage requirement for hearing aids within specified group health insurance policies.
Aims to improve access to hearing aids for individuals enrolled in group plans, reducing barriers related to out-of-pocket costs and device affordability.
Signals a state-level policy intent to support public health and communication access for those with hearing loss.

Key Provisions (as stated by the title)

Applies to "certain group health insurance policies." The bill does not specify exact policy types, populations, or coverage parameters in the available information.
Mandates coverage for hearing aids within those policies. Details such as device types, coverage limits, age applicability, exclusions, maintenance, batteries, fittings, or prior authorization requirements are not provided in the available text.

Note: Because the text of the bill is not included here, the precise scope (which plans are covered, any exemptions, copays/coinsurance, caps, or phase-in provisions) cannot be described beyond the stated mandate for hearing aid coverage.

Scope and Affected Parties

Enrollees in the group health insurance policies that fall under the bill’s scope.
Employers and sponsors of group health plans, to the extent their plans are within the bill’s requirements.
Health insurers/carriers offering the underlying group policies.
Hearing aid providers and related service vendors (e.g., fittings, aftercare) may interact with plan provisions.

Procedural History and Timeline

Introduced: January 17, 2025.
Current status: REFERRED TO INSURANCE (listed twice in the action log), indicating referral to the Senate/Assembly Insurance committee for consideration.
No floor action or enacted provisions are recorded as of now.
Related bills from prior sessions (A 10300, A 2432, A 501, A 3959, A 1042) suggest ongoing interest in hearing aid coverage reform.

Related Legislation

A 10300 (prior-session)
A 2432 (prior-session)
A 501 (prior-session)
A 3959 (prior-session)
A 1042 (prior-session)

Potential Impact (high-level)

Consumers: Potentially improved access to hearing aids with reduced out-of-pocket costs under affected group plans.
Employers/Plan Sponsors: Possible changes to plan design, premium cost considerations, and administrative processes to ensure compliance.
Insurers: Administrative and regulatory compliance considerations; potential need to update policy language and claims processing rules.
Fiscal/Policy considerations: If enacted, may influence state healthcare costs and access metrics related to hearing health.

Next Steps

Await committee hearing and potential amendments.
If advanced, track for floor votes and any negotiated provisions (scope, exemptions, timelines, and effective date) to understand full impact. If you need, I can compare A 2478 to the related prior-session bills for patterns or provisions that might reappear.

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