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Amend the bill in section 1 in §3174-ZZ in subsection 1 in the 3rd to 5th lines (page 1, lines 6 to 8 in L.D.) by striking out the following: ", excluding batteries and cords and other assistive listening devices, including, but not limited to, frequency modulation systems"
Amend the bill in section 1 in §3174-ZZ by striking out all of subsection 2 (page 1, lines 9 to 15 in L.D.) and inserting the following:
 
‘2.  Required reimbursement.     The department shall provide reimbursement for a hearing aid for one hearing-impaired ear of an individual enrolled in the MaineCare program in accordance with the following requirements:
 
A.  The hearing loss must be documented by a primary care provider or an audiologist licensed pursuant to Title 32, chapter 137;
 
B.  The hearing aid must be provided by an audiologist or a hearing aid dealer licensed pursuant to Title 32, chapter 137; and
 
C.  The hearing loss must meet the requirements established by the department in rule regarding the individual's severity of hearing loss.
 
The department shall provide reimbursement for a hearing aid for the 2nd hearing-impaired ear of an individual enrolled in the MaineCare program if the individual meets requirements established by the department by rule regarding the individual's severity of hearing loss, enrollment in school, enrollment in vocational training, employment needs or the needs identified by a primary care provider.’
 
SUMMARY
This amendment makes changes to the bill to match current practice in the rules of the Department of Health and Human Services. It specifies that one hearing aid is reimbursable under the MaineCare program and that a 2nd hearing aid is reimbursable if an individual meets the department's requirements established by rule. It removes the exclusion of batteries and cords and other assistive listening devices from coverage. It replaces the term "physician" with the term "primary care provider."
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)