Bill Summary: Ally's Act

This bill, officially known as Ally's Act, aims to amend several existing laws related to healthcare coverage in the United States. Specifically, it seeks to amend Title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The main objective of this bill is to require private health insurance plans to provide coverage for hearing devices and systems. It outlines a list of specific items and services related to hearing devices and systems that must be covered, such as auditory implant devices, maintenance, upgrades or replacements, repair, assessments, preoperative and postoperative care, and treatment services.

The bill defines a "qualifying individual" as someone who has been determined by a physician or qualified audiologist to have an indication for an auditory implant device and external sound processor, typically resulting from hearing loss.

The bill proposes amendments to different laws, namely:

Public Health Service Act (PHSA): It adds a new section to Part D of the PHSA, specifying the coverage requirements for hearing devices and systems in group health plans and health insurance coverage.
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA): It adds a new section to Subpart B of Part 7 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA, stating the coverage requirements for hearing devices and systems in group health insurance coverage.
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC): It adds a new section to Subchapter B of Chapter 100 of the IRC, highlighting the coverage requirements for hearing devices and systems in group health plans.
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act: It amends a specific section to include hearing devices and systems as a coverage requirement for grandfathered health plans.

The bill includes an effective date, specifying that the amendments made by the bill will apply to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2025.

Rep. Rebecca Sherrill

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