Did you know?
17% of Wyoming's population has some form of hearing loss.
Current consumer protection action
Wyoming SF 57: This measure directs the Department of Health to provide hearing aids for eligible adults
Summary:
This measure directs the Department of Health to provide hearing aids for eligible adults. Eligibility under this measure must be determined by the department or its designee.
To be determined eligible to receive hearing aids a person may not be eligible to receive hearing aids through private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare or any other available third-party payor. Recipients must not receive more than one set of hearing aids in any five year period. An adult eligible for services under this measure must receive:
- (i) Up to one hearing aid per ear at a cost of not more than the rate paid for hearing aids under the Wyoming Medical Assistance and Services Act and including hearing aid insurance for loss or damage;
- (ii) A hearing aid fitting at a cost of not more than the rate paid under the Wyoming Medical Assistance and Services Act; and
- (iii) An initial set of ear molds at a cost of not more than the rate paid under the Wyoming Medical Assistance and Services Act.
This measure directs the Department of Health to promulgate rules for implementation.
Sections 2 and 4 of this measure take effect immediately. The remainder takes effect July 1, 2024.
Status: Final Enacted
Outlook: This measure was signed by Governor Mark Gordon (R) on March 20.
This measure takes effect on July 1, 2024.
Past consumer protection action
January 14, 2022. NAAG Responds to FDA’s Comment Request on New Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Rules
“In response to a request for comments from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding new rules regulating over-the-counter hearing aids, NAAG submitted comments encouraging the FDA to take the below steps to ensure that states maintain a role as regulators in this emerging market.”
May 11, 2021. Attorney General Brnovich Obtains Settlement with Arizona Hearing Device Company to Stop Deceptive Advertising.
“My office will continue to be vigilant in protecting consumers by holding companies accountable for their misleading tactics,” said Attorney General Mark Brnovich. “Consumers looking for an affordable over-the-counter hearing device should do their homework before making a purchase.”
October 8, 2020. AG Brnovich Warns Consumers About Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids.
“In this era of new technology and self-service, many innovations bring true improvement to the quality of our lives. Consumers, however, need to be careful before purchasing these products,” said General Brnovich. “Arizona consumers should be wary of deals that appear too good to be true and do their research to avoid being scammed.”
Latest 2023 legislative news
HB 2796. Sponsor: Rep. Pamela Powers Hannley
This measure revises the licensing requirement to require fingerprint clearance cards. This measure is applicable to healthcare occupational licensure applicants. This bill requires applicants for an initial license, license renewal, a reciprocal license, license reinstatement, or limited license to possess a valid fingerprint clearance card when applying for chiropractic, medical, nursing, optician, or physician assistant, acupuncture detoxification specialist, acupuncture, massage therapist, midwife, hearing aid dispenser, audiologist, or speech-language pathologist license after January 1, 2023. This act is effective on December 31, 2022.
SB 1293. Sponsor: Senator Christine Marsh
This measure adds coverage, pricing, and documentation requirements for hearing aids, including minimum coverage rates for children 18 years old and younger. This measure allows the Department to bi-annually create a licensed list of audiologists hearing aid dispensers for insurers and establish annual minimum coverage rates and limits for children, including 100% hearing aid coverage for each deaf or hard of hearing ear. This measure provides guidance to licensed physicians, audiologists, and subscribers on pricing and coverage requirements under a hearing aid subscription contract and provides evidence on hearing aid coverage by physicians and audiologists. The measure provides coverage, documentation, and pricing for hearing aids within disability policies, group policies, health benefit plans, and blanket disability policies. This measure will take effect 90 days after adoption.