We Can Check Your Insurance Coverage
Finding out whether or not you have insurance coverage is a challenge for most because wading through all of the information and jargon is both difficult and frustrating. To better serve our clients and provide them with the best opportunity to enjoy the benefits of hearing aids, UpState Hearing Instruments can check your insurance coverage for you. Contact us for more information or just submit the form below and our insurance coverage expert will inquire for you, and then call you with the results.
Over 35 million Americans (over 11% of the population) struggle with ear-related health issues, paying out more than $2700 on hearing aids, while one out of every six invests in excess of $5000. For most of us, those figures represent a sizable expense. Consequently, one of the most common questions asked by the individuals who come to us for help is, “Does my insurance cover hearing aids?” Since that is not an easy question to answer, here is a basic outline of what UpState California residents can expect from insurance coverage for hearing aids and hearing care.
Variables Involved With Insurance Coverage For Hearing Aids
A comprehensive answer concerning insurance coverage for hearing aids is difficult because there are several variables that come into play, including:
- Where you live
- What type of coverage you have
- Whether you take a reactive or proactive approach to hearing care insurance coverage
Private Insurance
Let’s not beat around the bush, unless you live in Arkansas, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island where insurers have a legal obligation to provide hearing aid coverage for eligible adults, your private insurance is probably not going to award any benefit to cover them. If you thought ahead, you might have added a hearing care or hearing aid rider to your policy, which means you will receive some form of limited or full benefit.
Medicare and Medicaid
At this time, hearing tests and hearing aids are NOT covered by Medicare. All are part of the expenses of hearing care and/or hearing aids are covered by Medicaid in some states while not in others. Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of the states where Medicaid coverage is available. Currently, with some limitations, California covers:
- Hearing exams, hearing aids, repair, and part replacement
- Replacement of lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged hearing aids and earmolds
- Testing, exam, or follow-up for cochlear implants
Affordable Care Act Coverage
Some states offer coverage for hearing aids and related expenses under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) while others do not. California residents insured by ACA can expect no benefits to cover hearing aids.
Veterans (VA) Benefits
Those who have served in the military who can identify the cause of their hearing loss as a result of their service are likely to receive the treatment they need through a VA hospital. VA benefits cover the cost of hearing aids and associated tests. In addition, if hearing loss causes direct interference of daily living tasks you may receive your hearing aids directly from the VA.
Federal Employee Assistance
Those employed by the federal government and their spouses may have some coverage through their federal employee assistance insurance. Essentially, the plan will pay the cost of basic hearing aids and the employee or spouse can pay for extras and upgrades deducted from your pay packet.
Various Types of Savings Accounts
One tragedy that plagues most Americans is a tendency to ignore hearing health or underestimate its value when we purchase insurance coverage, but those who recognize its importance can take proactive measures to have the funds available should hearing aids become a necessity. The most proactive approach to paying for hearing aids and hearing care requires placing your money in Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) ahead of time.
We Can Help
At UpState Hearing Instruments we do our best to make sure your needs are being met. Contact us for more information. We are happy to answer any questions that you may have.
Click Here to check your benefits.
