hearing specialist holding silver hearing aid device

If you’ve visited your local audiologist and have been given tests. There may be a chance that your audiologist recommends having a hearing aid as a form of treatment. But it’s best to look at your options before you buy a hearing aid.

One of the first steps that you’ll want to do after talking to your audiologist would be to talk with your health insurance company. Unfortunately, not all health insurance plans are created equal, meaning that there may be a chance that your health insurance does not cover the cost of a hearing aid. But before investing in a high-quality hearing aid, it’s worth checking to see if you have any health insurance coverage available.

How to know if your health insurance company covers hearing aids

Some insurance companies consider hearing aids to be an elective healthcare item, meaning that they’re not a necessity. This means that these types of health insurance companies do not offer any coverage with hearing aids. Others do cover the cost of hearing aid, but the patient will need to undergo hearing tests to prove the validity of needing them.

Other health insurance companies will offer a discount or partially cover the cost of the hearing aid. Overall, it never hurts to reach out and just to negotiate the cost with the hearing aid provider and the insurance company. All policies vary and it also just depends on your plan. Some states have certain laws about healthcare policies, so that will need to be kept in consideration as well.

What about children?

Currently, 23 states within the United States mandate that insurance companies must provide full or partial hearing aid coverage for children. While the state mandate varies in each state, it’s best to look into what your state offers. But you can also ask your hearing care professional such as an audiologist if they know about any coverage plans or state mandates that cover hearing for children. Insurance coverage and discounts are always changing, it’s best to talk to your provider.

Important questions to ask your insurance company

Since health insurance company policies are not a one-size-fits-all, it’s understandable that it can all get a little confusing. Here are some questions to ask your health insurance provider so you can get the most clarity:

  • Are there any health plan benefits for hearing aids?
  • Will I need to use a specific brand to receive coverage of the hearing aid?
  • Are there any health plan allowances, discounts, or benefits?

It’s always best to just check with your insurance provider as they can help determine if you can qualify for any hearing aid benefits.

Does Medicaid or Medicare cover the cost of hearing aids?

Medicaid will usually provide coverage for a portion of the cost of hearing aid. This coverage will vary in each state. Medicaid will completely cover the pay for the screenings and the hearing tests that are needed, just only partial coverage for hearing aids. Medicaid is also only for people 21 and under. Medicare on the other hand does not cover the cost of hearing aids at all. Medicare can cover the cost of the hearing tests as long as there is a PCP referring provided by the audiologist. For those who have the Medicare Advantage Plan, there are payment options out for hearing aids but it will vary per state as well.

Veteran Affairs

The VA is one of the largest providers of hearing aids. If you’re a veteran or have worked in the service in some form, you may be able to qualify for a hearing aid. It’s best to check with your local VA and ask about their benefits.

Financial assistance for hearing aids

Unfortunately, not all families can obtain a hearing aid with ease. There are plenty of charitable groups that can help provide brand new and used hearing aids for free or even sell hearing aids at a steep discount. Some well-known charities with providing hearing assistance are:

  • Travelers Protective Association of America Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired
  • Easter Seals
  • AUDIENT program

While there are local, statewide, and countrywide charities out there that assist families in getting hearing aids, there may be a reason why you or a loved one cannot qualify. So it’s important to look into other options for financing a hearing aid, such as a payment plan, loan, or you can check with your hearing care provider for more details on programs that can give financial assistance. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Siouxland Hearing Healthcare, P.L.C.by calling (712) 266-3662.