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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 38-71-820 SO AS TO REQUIRE GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES TO PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR AUDIOLOGICAL SERVICES AND HEARING AIDS FOR CHILDREN UP TO EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Subarticle 1, Article 5, Chapter 71, Title 38 is amended by adding:
"Section 38-71-820. (A)(1) A group health insurance or health benefit plan agreement, contract, or policy, including the State and any indemnity plan, not-for-profit hospital, or medical service or indemnity contract, prepaid or managed care plan or provider agreement, and Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement (MEWA) or employer self-insured plan, except as exempt under federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) provisions, that is offered, issued, or renewed on or after the effective date of this section shall provide coverage for audiological services and hearing aids for children up to eighteen years of age.
(2) The coverage:
(a) only applies to hearing aids that are prescribed, filled, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist; and
(b) may limit the hearing aid benefit payable for each hearing-impaired ear to every forty-eight months. However, the coverage may provide for up to four additional ear molds each year for children up to two years of age.
(B) Nothing in this section may be construed to extend the practice or privileges of a health care provider beyond that provided in the laws governing the provider's practice and privileges.
(C) The provisions of this section do not apply to agreements, contracts, or policies that provider coverage for a specified disease or other limited benefit coverage, or groups with fifty or fewer employees."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
This web page was last updated on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at 2:50 P.M.