Illinois Legislature Passes Hearing Care Plan Transparency

The Illinois General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 2838 (SB 2838), a measure designed to increase transparency, strengthen consumer protections, and improve fairness in hearing care plan contracts. The legislation passed unanimously in both the Illinois Senate and House and now awaits action by Governor J.B. Pritzker. If signed by the governor, the law will take effect on January 1, 2027. The Academy will continue to monitor implementation of the legislation and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

The Academy supported the legislation throughout the legislative process, recognizing its potential to improve consumer understanding of hearing care benefits and provide greater clarity for both patients and hearing care professionals. Earlier this year, the Academy submitted a letter of support to lawmakers, citing the bill’s transparency provisions and regulatory safeguards.

If passed, SB 2838 requires hearing care organizations and Third-Party Administrators to clearly communicate hearing care benefits, coverage details, cost-sharing obligations, and other plan information to enrollees and participating providers. The legislation also prohibits hearing care plans from requiring providers to furnish non-covered items or services at plan-established reimbursement rates and establishes disclosure requirements when providers choose not to accept those rates for non-covered services.

The bill also addresses transparency in discounted hearing care plans and seeks to prevent the misrepresentation of discount programs as funded insurance benefits. In addition, the legislation updates Illinois insurance laws governing hearing care plans and discounted hearing care plans while creating greater oversight of these arrangements.

Academy leadership previously noted that the legislation would help consumers make informed healthcare and financial decisions by requiring clearer communication of hearing care benefits and associated costs.