A health carrier offering a large group health plan issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024, must include coverage for hearing instruments, except for OTC hearing instruments, including bone conduction hearing devices. The coverage must include the hearing instrument, the initial assessment, fitting, adjustment, auditory training, and ear molds, as necessary, to maintain optimal fit. The maximum benefit amount required is $2,500 per ear with hearing loss every 36 months. A covered individual may choose a higher priced hearing instrument and pay the difference between price of the hearing instrument and the benefit. This benefit is not subject to the covered individual’s deductible, unless the plan is offered as a qualifying health plan for a health savings account in which case the health carrier must establish the health plan’s cost sharing at the minimum level necessary to preserve the enrollee’s ability to claim tax exempt contributions
and withdrawals from the health savings account under federal law and regulations.