An Act To Provide 2 Hearing Aids To Mainecare Members With Diagnosed Hearing Loss

LD 167 expands MaineCare coverage to provide reimbursement for two hearing aids - one for each hearing-impaired ear - for eligible members with diagnosed hearing loss. Currently, MaineCare covers only one hearing aid per member; this bill adds a second aid under specific conditions. To qualify for the second aid, members must meet department-established criteria, such as severity of hearing loss, enrollment in school or vocational training, employment needs, or a primary care provider's recommendation. The hearing loss must be documented by a licensed primary care provider or audiologist, and hearing aids must be supplied by a licensed audiologist or hearing aid dealer. This change directly affects MaineCare members with bilateral hearing loss who meet the new eligibility requirements.