HB1355 amends Maryland insurance law to expand when certain insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and health maintenance organizations must cover medically appropriate and necessary hearing aids for adults. Under the bill, coverage is required not only when hearing aids are prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist, but also when they are ordered, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed hearing aid dispenser. The bill retains the existing framework defining hearing aids and the entities subject to the mandate.
The bill also preserves the current benefit cap, allowing insurers to limit payment to $1,400 per hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 36 months. It continues to allow an insured or enrollee to choose a more expensive device and pay the difference without penalty to the provider. The law applies to policies, contracts, and health benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed in Maryland on or after January 1, 2026.
Impact
HB1355 changes Section 15-838.1 of the Insurance Article by broadening the provider types that can trigger mandatory adult hearing-aid coverage. This affects health insurers, nonprofit health service plans, and HMOs operating in Maryland, and it expands access for adults seeking hearing aids through licensed hearing aid dispensers in addition to audiologists. The bill does not change the dollar cap or the 36-month benefit period, but it may increase the number of claims eligible for coverage under existing health plans.
Sentiment
The voting record suggests broad bipartisan support and little opposition. The House passed the bill 135-2, and the Senate passed it unanimously 47-0, indicating strong agreement that the coverage expansion was appropriate. No committee transcript was provided, but the final votes reflect a generally favorable sentiment toward improving access to hearing-aid coverage for adults.
Contention
The main policy issue appears to have been whether coverage should be tied only to services provided by licensed audiologists or also extended to hearing aids ordered, fitted, and dispensed by licensed hearing aid dispensers. Supporters likely viewed the change as expanding access and convenience for consumers, while any opposition may have centered on provider standards, utilization, or insurer cost exposure. However, the overwhelming vote margins indicate that any disagreement was limited and did not materially slow passage.