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.
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about H 4959
Scope: MA
Hi! I can help you understand H 4959. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline