Hearing aids are crucial medical devices, but they are not typically covered by insurance. Many private insurance companies do not cover even the best hearing aids, like Oticon.
Twenty-three states in the United States require health insurance policies to include hearing devices in their coverage. However, most of these states only require coverage for children.
A few states have extended coverage to adults, but private insurance policies typically only cover the cost of medical examinations.
Some insurers offer additional plans that cover hearing tests, hearing aid fitting, and eye and dental benefits. There are also other funding options available, such as financing from charitable groups and third-party provider credit.
It is important to explore all of your options to find the best way to pay for hearing aids.
Your Coverage Depends on the Plan
Individuals seeking hearing aid coverage under their health insurance plan should check with their provider, as most insurers do not include this service.
The insurance card usually has a number that is free to call for client services that can be used to confirm whether the plan covers hearing aids. However, hearing aid insurance coverage administration varies from plan to plan.
There are different benefit types available for this service based on real-life scenarios:
- In a health plan, contracted providers may offer discounts negotiated with the plan. To avail of these discounts, purchasing from the specified provider is necessary
- If the discount is 20%, it will be subtracted from the retail price
- If you buy hearing aids from a contracted provider, the health plan may give you an allowance. The allowance is a predetermined sum that is deducted from the overall price of the hearing aids
This amount could be renewed every few years. For instance, if the hearing aids cost $4,000 and the allowance is $1,500, you will have to pay $2,500 out of your pocket
- When it comes to health plans, some may offer a fixed amount of money that can be used to buy hearing aids. This amount can be applied to purchasing one or two aids and may be assigned to each ear. The benefit may also renew every 3 to 5 years
Regarding health plans, it’s important to remember that hearing aid coverage can differ based on where you live. Kaiser Permanente, for instance, has a hearing aid benefit that offers a credit per ear option every 36 months, but only in Colorado.
Unfortunately, those in Ohio, Georgia, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Virginia, or Washington, DC areas cannot access this benefit. However, there may be a chance of getting coverage in Hawaii and California.
To ensure you’re getting the coverage you need, it’s best to do a thorough check.
Twenty-three states require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children. Five states (Illinois, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire) have extended these requirements to adults..
Check with your insurance provider to determine if you are eligible for the best online hearing aids. The coverage for hearing aids mandated by the state may vary from state to state, and some states may have pending legislation regarding hearing aid coverage.
If coverage is mandated in your state, you will need to conduct some research to learn about the amount covered, the frequency of claims, and any other requirements for coverage.
As you embark on your search for hearing aids, don’t forget to seek guidance from your hearing care professional.
It’s important to remember that offers and the types of insurance coverage are constantly evolving, so be sure to call your insurance provider and inquire about your plan before making any purchases.
Does Advocacy Matter for Hearing Aid Coverage?
Hearing aids may not have received comprehensive insurance coverage because hearing loss is not as important as other issues like mental health. This has resulted in limited discussion and campaigns for insurance coverage for hearing aids.
However, it is believed that strong advocacy could lead to a positive transformation in the hearing aids industry and insurance coverage. The next few years could see significant changes in this field.
Common Ways To Pay for Hearing Aids
- Medicare: Does Medicare cover hearing aids? Although Medicare does not include hearing aids in its coverage, Part B can cover up to 80% of expenses for diagnostic hearing exams or balance tests if your physician confirms that your condition requires treatment.
This applies after deductibles have been met. However, you will still be responsible for 100% of the expenses related to routine hearing exams and hearing aids under Original Medicare.
- Medicaid: If you’re an adult who requires a hearing aid,Medicaid might be able to help cover the costs. And if you have a child who needs one, don’t worry – Medicaid always pays for it.
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? To see if you’re eligible for Medicaid, consider your income and whether you have a disability. If you live in New York, you’re in luck – the state provides hearing aid benefits for people who are 21 or older and who have mild to severe hearing loss.
To qualify, you’ll need to meet certain criteria – for example, your better-ear pure tone average must be greater than 30 dB HL, or your 2000 Hz hearing thresholds and higher must be greater than 40 dB HL in both ears.
If you do qualify, you’ll be pleased to know that the state of NY will also cover the cost of batteries for the life of the hearing aid.
- Medical flexible spending accounts (FSAs): Does health insurance cover hearing aids? For those who possess these accounts, the expense incurred on hearing aids and batteries can be claimed for reimbursement, as per the norms.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Just like FSAs, hearing aids, and batteries can be covered by these accounts too. The best part? Unlike FSAs, your HSA balance rolls over from one year to the next, allowing you to save up for the cost of hearing aids.
- Veteran benefits: Does health insurance cover hearing aids? If your hearing loss is related to your military service or a medical condition treated at a VA hospital, you can rest assured that you’re covered.
Besides, if your hearing loss is causing a hindrance in your daily routine, you may be eligible for hearing aids through the VA.
- Private Insurance: It’s worth exploring whether your private healthcare plan covers some or all costs.
Call the toll-free number on the back of your insurance card to speak with your provider and determine if you qualify for the benefits they offer.
What to Ask Your Insurance Company About Hearing Aids
Payment:
- Can the hearing aid company charge my health plan directly?
- Or do I need to pay upfront and submit the necessary documents to be reimbursed?
Benefits:
- What hearing aid benefits are provided by my health plan?
- Are there any requirements or restrictions for coverage?
Models:
- Is the advantage just applicable to certain models of hearing aids?
Routine:
- What do you mean by “routine” hearing aids?
Hearing loss:
- Do I need to have a certain level of hearing loss to qualify for benefits?
Provider:
- Do I have to use a particular hearing aid provider?
- Can you provide me with a directory of nearby service providers?
Without insurance, buying hearing aids privately is the only option. It is important to get hearing aids because neglecting age-related hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline, social isolation, falls, and hospitalizations, all of which are major public health concerns.
While Medicare, Medicaid, or your health care plan may cover the best online hearing tests and evaluations, only a few health insurance plans will cover the cost of hearing aids.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? The VA is the biggest buyer and supplier of hearing aids in the US. If you are a veteran or have a service connection, you can check with your local VA to find out if you are eligible for hearing-related services and benefits, which include getting hearing aids.
Medicare and Medicaid Coverage of Hearing Aids
Medicare usually does not cover hearing aids. You may have choices, though, depending on your hearing loss type and whether you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicaid coverage for adult hearing aids is different in each state, and the criteria for eligibility can change.
You can use the Hearing Loss Association of America’s page to check your state’s Medicaid coverage for hearing care. You can also contact your state’s Medicaid program or visit the national website of Medicaid for more information.
In all states of the US, Medicaid covers the best children’s hearing aids.
Workers’ Compensation for Hearing Loss
If you experience hearing damage while on the job, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation to help cover the expenses of hearing aids and other necessary treatments.
Social Security Benefits for Hearing Loss
Moreover, if your hearing loss creates obstacles to working efficiently, you can seek support from the Social Security trust fund.
Tax Deductions
In addition, hearing aids are eligible for a tax deduction, along with most medical expenses. You may have access to a health savings account (HSA) through your employer, which allows you to withdraw pre-tax funds to cover hearing aid expenses.
Moreover, you can utilize the HSA for hearing aid maintenance, repairs, and batteries.
Discount Programs for Hearing Aids
As a federal employee, you can rest easy knowing that the Federal Employee Health Plan has your back regarding ear-related medical issues.
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? Some plans even provide coverage for the best hearing aids, although the extent of coverage may vary. If you’re a state employee, discounts may also be available, which can be combined with your insurance coverage.
And don’t forget to leverage your memberships with organizations like AARP, AAA, your health plan, your vision plan, or your union to score discounts on hearing aids potentially. With so many options, finding the best bang for your buck is worth exploring.
Ways To Get Affordable Hearing Aids
Discount Programs for Hearing Aids
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? Suppose you need assistance with hearing aids or any other type of hearing care. In that case, many charitable organizations can provide new or used hearing aids at a price reduction or completely free, provided that you meet the fiscal conditions.
Although we have furnished a list of some national programs, it is not a comprehensive overview of all the existing organizations. We propose looking at the financial aid page from HLAA, the Hearing Loss Association of America, for additional resources.
State Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? Your state vocational rehabilitation office may help you pay for hearing aids or improve your skills if you need them to work. You can find the necessary information by searching online for the vocational rehabilitation program of your state.
Easter Seals
You can quickly find the closest one by going to their webpage. They have over 400 local service centers that offer a variety of services, such as helping low-income adults and children get hearing aids as well as other rehabilitative gadgets.
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? Travelers Protective Association of America Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired
3755 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108
The TPA Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired program extends financial aid to individuals, regardless of age or the extent of their hearing loss, who require assistance in obtaining medical treatment, specialized education, or services.
Grants are solely based on financial need, and various national groups have programs implemented at the local chapter level.
While not all local chapters participate in these hearing assistance projects, you can contact the one in your area to determine whether they can offer assistance.
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? When it comes to finding financial assistance, there are a few groups that you should definitely keep in mind. These include Rotary Club, Sertoma, Lion’s Club, and the Knights of Columbus.
But if you’re not familiar with any of these organizations, don’t worry – your hearing care professional can guide you toward these and other potential sources of support.
Hearing Aid Financing
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? If you’re struggling to find someone to assist with the cost of your hearing aids, a few options are available, such as short-term loans or payment plans. Your hearing care provider can give you more information, or you can explore programs:
CareCredit
CareCredit is a unique financing program for medical services, including hearing care, dental work, cosmetic surgery, and more.
With over 75,000 providers accepting the program, CareCredit offers flexible monthly payment options, no upfront expenses, no penalties for prepayment, and no annual fees. You can take advantage of short-term, interest-free plans or longer-term plans with fixed interest rates.
Insurance Help for Implantable Hearing Systems
If you’re considering obtaining a bone-anchored hearing system that can be implanted, Oticon Medical has covered you with their Ponto 4 system, and they also provide insurance reimbursement information.
Help With Amplified Telephones
Various telecommunication distribution programs are available in many states to assist individuals with hearing loss requiring specialized telephone equipment.
Citizens with hearing loss or other disabilities who need it can get TTYs, amplified handsets, and other equipment for free through these programs. To find such programs in your state, visit www.tedpa.org and use the “State Directory” link.
Does health insurance cover hearing aids? For more information regarding the types of hearing aids provided, eligibility criteria, and ways to obtain them, contact your state program.
Does Health Insurance Cover Hearing Aids: The Bottomline
To navigate your specific financial situation and find the best sources for funding hearing aids like Oticon, it is recommended to reach out to a local hearing care expert. These professionals can provide personalized assistance and guide you in securing the financial help you need.
Don’t hesitate to contact a hearing health professional near you for the best advice and support available on the internet.