LRBs0316/1
PJK:bk:nwn
2007 - 2008 LEGISLATURE
ASSEMBLY SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT 1,
TO 2007 SENATE BILL 88
March 3, 2008 - Offered by Representatives Nygren and Kramer.
SB88-ASA1,1,3
1An Act to create 49.471 (11r) of the statutes;
relating to: providing coverage
2of hearing aids and cochlear implants under BadgerCare Plus and granting
3rule-making authority.
BadgerCare Plus (BC+) is a Medical Assistance (MA) program that was
approved in the biennial budget act. BC+, which will be administered by the
Department of Health and Family Services, provides health care benefits under two
different plans, depending on the basis for a recipient's eligibility, to recipients who
satisfy financial and nonfinancial eligibility criteria. One plan provides the same
benefits that are provided under the regular MA program. The other plan, called the
Benchmark Plan, provides comprehensive benefits that are specified in the statute.
This substitute amendment provides that, beginning on January 1, 2009, BC+
will cover hearing aids and cochlear implants for any child under the age of 18 years
who is a state resident, who has been certified as deaf or hearing impaired by a
physician or a licensed audiologist, and who: 1) is not eligible for BC+ or 2) is eligible
for and covered under BC+ but does not have coverage under BC+ for hearing aids
and cochlear implants.
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as
an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
SB88-ASA1, s. 1
1Section
1. 49.471 (11r) of the statutes is created to read:
SB88-ASA1,2,52
49.471
(11r) Coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants. (a) Beginning
3on January 1, 2009, BadgerCare Plus shall provide coverage under this subsection
4of the cost of hearing aids or cochlear implants for any individual who satisfies all
5of the following criteria:
SB88-ASA1,2,66
1. The individual is a resident of this state.
SB88-ASA1,2,87
2. The individual has been certified as deaf or hearing impaired by a physician
8or by an audiologist licensed under subch. II of ch. 459.
SB88-ASA1,2,99
3. The individual is under the age of 18 years.
SB88-ASA1,2,1010
4. The individual satisfies either of the following:
SB88-ASA1,2,1211
a. The individual is not eligible for BadgerCare Plus under sub. (4) (a) or (b),
12(5), or (6).
SB88-ASA1,2,1413
b. The individual is eligible for and covered under BadgerCare Plus but does
14not have coverage under BadgerCare Plus of hearing aids or cochlear implants.
SB88-ASA1,2,1615
(b) The department may promulgate rules for the administration of this
16subsection, including rules related to cost-sharing requirements.
