(1) The purpose of this regulation is to effectuate the provisions of chapter 245, Laws of 2023, by requiring health carriers to include coverage for hearing instruments.

(2) This section applies to health carriers offering nongrandfathered group health plans, other than small group health plans, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2024.

(3) The hearing instruments and coverage requirements referenced in this section have the same meaning as in RCW 48.43.135.

(4) Health carriers shall provide in network coverage for hearing instruments at no less than $3,000 per ear with hearing loss every 36 months. Any enrollee cost-sharing applied to this coverage must ensure that the amount paid by the health plan will be no less than $3,000 except to the extent required otherwise in RCW 48.43.135(4).

(5) Enrollees can purchase a hearing instrument beyond the cost limitations outlined in this section and coverage must still be provided at no less than $3,000 per ear with hearing loss every 36 months.

(6) The 36-month time period referenced in this section and RCW 48.43.135(3), is specific to the enrollee's current health carrier.