Insurance and Hearing Aids in Mass.

A Massachusetts bill would force private health insurance companies to cover the cost of hearing aids, up to $2000 for each one. Several groups are fighting the proposal because they say it adds to the cost of running a small and mid-size business. This includes the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, the National Federation of Independent Business, and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans. Both the legislative bodies, House and Senate passed the bill last night - but a final version still needs approval. The proposed law is sponsored by Arlington Democrat Sean Garballey with 71 co-sponsors from both parties. While Private health insurance companies do not have to cover the cost of hearing aids, the state health insurance plan does.