Relates to ensuring continued access to backup devices for patients with cochlear implants

Requires insurance coverage to backup devices for patients with cochlear implants during the initial implantation and for replacements and upgrades.

VETO MESSAGE - No. 99 TO THE SENATE: I am returning herewith, without my approval, the following bill: Senate Bill Number 8265-A, entitled: "AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to ensuring contin- ued access to backup devices for patients with cochlear implants" NOT APPROVED This bill would require large group health insurance policies to provide coverage for a backup set of the external components of a cochlear implant device to ensure that patients with cochlear implants have continuous use of such devices. Cochlear implants are important devices for individuals with severe hearing loss that can significantly improve one's ability to understand speech and perceive sounds, and I support the goal of the bill, which is to expand access to such devices. However, large group health insurance policies are not currently required to cover cochlear implants. As such, the bill would i...