The law applies to group and individual plans, as well as self-insured plans of governments. But it does not cover self-insured plans of private employers. The law requires health insurance policies and plans to cover the cost of hearing aids or cochlear implants, surgically implanted devices that stimulate auditory nerves, for those under 18. Coverage would be limited to two hearing aids every three years, and the child must be diagnosed by a physician or audiologist as being deaf or hearing-impaired.

Wisconsin is one of the first states to mandate coverage of cochlear implants, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Kentucky requires benefit plans to provide them for people with profound hearing impairment. And at least 13 other states, including Minnesota, require insurance plans to cover the cost of hearing aids for children.

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