Illinois Enacts Landmark Consumer Protection for Hearing Care Plans

On July 24, 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2838 (SB2838) into law making Illinois the first state in the nation to enact legislation to strengthen consumer protections and improve transparency for hearing care plans. Effective January 1, 2027, the new law requires clearer information about hearing care benefits, prohibits discounted hearing care programs from being marketed as traditional insurance, and protects consumers from misleading pricing practices.

Why is this important for California Audiologists?
This legislation represents a potential model for future advocacy efforts nationwide. The California Academy of Audiology was among the organizations that supported the bill, highlighting the profession's shared commitment to improving transparency, protecting patients, and ensuring consumers can make informed decisions about their hearing healthcare.

View the press release by the Illinois Academy of Audiology (ILAA) including an outline of key protections in SB2838 HERE.