SECTION 1. Section 23 of chapter 32A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2008 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence of the second paragraph, and inserting the words "The commission shall provide to any child or adult, who is 26 years of age or younger, of an active or retired employee of the commonwealth and who is insured under the group insurance commission coverage for the cost of 1 hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear up to $2,000 for each hearing aid, as defined in section 196 of chapter 112, every 36 months upon a written statement from the child's treating physician that the hearing aids are necessary regardless of etiology."

SECTION 2. Section 4N of chapter 176G of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2008 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the first sentence of the second paragraph, and inserting the words "An individual or group health maintenance contract, except contracts providing supplemental coverage to Medicare or other governmental programs, shall provide coverage and benefits for children 21 years of age or younger, who are insured under such contracts, for expenses incurred for the cost of 1 hearing aid per hearing impaired ear up to $2,000 for each hearing aid, as defined under section 196 of chapter 112, every 36 months upon a written statement from the child's treating physician that the hearing aids are necessary regardless of etiology.”