Lawsuit: Regence Blueshield Violates Affordable Care Act by Refusing to Cover Hearing Exams

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A six-year-old girl, through her parents, and one other plaintiff who suffer from hearing loss have filed a proposed class action lawsuit in Washington against Regence Blueshield and Cambia Health Solutions, Inc. over the companies’ alleged practice of categorically excluding from insurance coverage routine exams, programs and treatments for hearing loss (with the exception of cochlear implants). According to the plaintiffs, who allege violations of the Affordable Care Act, even medically necessary treatments for hearing loss are excluded from coverage by the defendants, despite the companies reportedly covering the same such benefits, including outpatient office visits and prosthetic devices, for other health conditions.

“By categorically excluding insureds with hearing loss of all medical treatment related to their disability (except for cochlear implants), Regence engages in illegal disability discrimination,” the lawsuit charges. “The Affordable Care Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of a disability by covered entities, including health insurers like Regence.”