Treatment with Hearing Aids
Insurance and Reimbursement
A pair of hearing aids can cost several thousands of dollars, depending on the type and style. There are additional fees for professional services, testing, and fitting. Unfortunately, many forms of private and government health insurance do not cover the costs of hearing aids or the tests and services needed to get them.
In the U.S., a few states are moving toward requiring some coverage, and certain insurance companies let you add hearing coverage for an additional fee. Before being fitted for a hearing aid, you should investigate costs and reimbursement options, which may include:
- Private insurance – read your policy looking for terms such as “audiology” or “hearing care” to see if hearing tests and hearing aids are covered. If you are uncertain, contact your insurance company directly to learn about your particular insurance coverage, billing policies, and payment procedures.
- Medicaid – is the U.S. federal program of health assistance for certain individuals with low incomes. Each state sets its own rules within federal guidelines. There is no requirement to cover hearing services. Check with your state Medicaid agency for the rules in your location. To locate your state Medicaid agency, check: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicaid/consumer.asp
- Medicare – is the U.S. federal government program of health assistance for people age 65 and older and some disabled people. Certain hearing tests and services are covered under Medicare, but not all. For more information, check the federal government’s web site: http://www.medicare.gov/
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) – provides children with disabilities—including speech, language, and hearing disorders—who go to public schools with appropriate assistance. Check with your local school district for more information on what is available in your area.
- U.S. Veterans Administration – some U.S. veterans are eligible for hearing aids, hearing services, and/or assistive listening devices. Contact the VA medical facility in your area for additional information.
- Civic/Service Organizations – certain social groups help people, especially children, to get hearing aids. Some provide financial assistance while others sponsor hearing aid “banks,” where donated, pre-owned hearing aids are reconditioned and recycled for new users. Groups that may help include certain chapters of Lions International, Kiwanis Clubs, Rotary Clubs, and similar organizations. Ask your local hearing professional who is active in your area.