HB164
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Amend KRS 304.17A-132 to modify the definition of "hearing aid"; increase the coverage amount for hearing aids from $1,400 to $2,500; establish network adequacy requirements relating to the provision of hearing aids and related services that are required to be covered; amend KRS 18A.225 to increase the cap on hearing aids and hearing aid-related services under the state employee health plan from $1,400 to $2,500; direct that the Act applies to health benefit plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027; EFFECTIVE January 1, 2027.
Introduced: January 7, 2026
Last action: April 3, 2026
Effective date: set within the act
This act specifies its own effective date(s) for some or all of its sections instead of following the standard 90-day rule (Ky. Constitution § 55) — see the act text for the exact dates.
Plain-language summary
This bill raises the maximum amount health insurance plans must cover for hearing aids from $1,400 to $2,500 per hearing aid, and updates the definition of what qualifies as a hearing aid. It also sets new standards to ensure people can access enough providers for hearing-related care, and the changes apply to health plans issued or renewed starting January 1, 2027. Who it may affect: Kentuckians who need hearing aids, state employees, and children covered under health insurance plans.
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Legislative History
Primary Sponsor
Co-sponsors (3)
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