All Roll Calls
Yes: 131 • No: 0
KentuckyHB 1642026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
AN ACT relating to coverage for hearing aids and related services.
Sponsored By: Samara Heavrin (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Actuarial AnalysisChildren And MinorsEffective Dates, DelayedHealth And Medical ServicesHealth Benefit Plan MandateHealth Care ProfessionalsInsurance, HealthLocal MandateState Employee Health Plan MandateState Employees
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Hearing aid coverage for kids
Health plans must cover one hearing aid per impaired ear for insured children under 18. The plan pays up to $2,500 per ear every 36 months and covers testing, fitting, and adjustments. The device must be prescribed by a licensed audiologist and dispensed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. You may choose a higher‑priced device and pay the extra with no penalties. Batteries and cords are not included, and normal copays, coinsurance, and deductibles still apply. If any plan paid for a hearing aid in the last three years, a new plan does not have to pay again. These rules apply to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027.
Kids' audiology access and start date
Insurers that use a network must offer enough accessible audiologists for hearing aids and related care. Their networks must meet state managed‑care access standards. The coverage and network rules apply to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. If your plan renewed before that date, the rules apply at your next renewal after January 1, 2027.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Samara Heavrin
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Daniel Grossberg
Democrat • House
DJ Johnson
Republican • House
Jim Gooch Jr.
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/25/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 38 • No: 0
House vote • 2/2/2026
3rd reading, passed
Yes: 93 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 26)
4/3/2026delivered to Governor
3/26/2026enrolled, signed by President of the Senate
3/26/2026enrolled, signed by Speaker of the House
3/26/2026received in House
3/26/2026House3rd reading, passed 38-0
3/25/2026posted for passage in the Consent Orders of the Day for Wednesday, March 25 2026
3/24/20262nd reading, to Rules as a consent bill
3/18/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Consent Calendar
3/17/2026to Banking & Insurance (S)
3/13/2026Senateto Committee on Committees (S)
2/3/2026Senatereceived in Senate
2/3/2026Senate3rd reading, passed 93-0
2/2/2026posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Monday, February 02 2026
1/30/20262nd reading, to Rules
1/29/2026reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
1/28/2026to Banking & Insurance (H)
1/12/2026Houseto Committee on Committees (H)
1/7/2026Houseintroduced in House
1/7/2026House
Bill Text
Current
2/2/2026
Introduced
2/2/2026
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