H 4959 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to health insurance coverage for hearing aids

This bill requires most health insurance plans in Massachusetts to cover hearing aids for insured residents. It mandates coverage for one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear every 36 months, based on a physician's written statement of medical necessity, with coverage extending to the best-fit device (regardless of brand) and related services like fittings, adjustments, and repairs. The law caps patient copayments at $200 per hearing aid and prohibits higher deductibles or out-of-pocket costs than for other durable medical equipment. It applies to all group and individual health insurance policies, including non-group plans, ensuring consistent coverage for people with hearing loss.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 28, 2026 Last action Jul 23, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jul 23, 2026
Committee
Committee recommended bill ought to pass and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from the committee on Financial Services
lower
0 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.