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State Legislation: Bill Amendments · September 30, 2026 · Primary source

CA SB 331: new version, 09/30/26 - Chaptered

Score 58PRIMARYregulatoryState legislature

Summary

California SB 331, the Let California Kids Hear Act, was signed into law on September 30, 2026, and chaptered as Chapter 966, Statutes of 2026. The law requires large group health care service plan contracts and health insurance policies issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2028, to cover hearing aids and related services for enrollees and insureds under 21 years of age, when medically necessary. Plans and insurers may cap coverage at $3,000 per individual hearing aid device. Willful violations by health care service plans constitute a crime under the Knox-Keene Act.

What this may mean

Large group California-regulated health plans and insurers must add pediatric hearing aid coverage (for enrollees under age 21) to plan contracts issued, amended, or renewed on or after January 1, 2028, with a permissible per-device dollar limit of $3,000. This obligation applies to the large group market under Knox-Keene and the Department of Insurance and creates criminal exposure for willful noncompliance by health care service plans. Plans may structure the benefit with the $3,000 per-device cap but cannot exclude coverage entirely.

Informational only. Not legal, medical, financial, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional familiar with your specific facts before relying on any item.

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