Health Insurance & Hearing Aids: What to Know
Hearing aids can drastically improve quality of life for those with hearing loss. However, they can be an investment. Although hearing aids are medical devices, they are still not widely covered by health insurance.
Before you decide to purchase hearing aids, it’s important to understand your options and coverage.
Does Medicaid Cover Hearing Aids?
In every state, children’s hearing aids are covered by Medicaid. However, for adults, Medicaid does not cover hearing aids in the state of Pennsylvania.
Health Insurance and Hearing Aids
If you have health insurance through your or your spouse’s employer, coverage for hearing aids varies. Some health insurance plans may cover a specific amount towards the purchase of hearing aids, such as $500 or $1,000. This amount may go towards the entire hearing aid purchase or towards each individual aid. The benefit typically renews after a certain number of years – typically 3 to 5 years.
Because each insurance provider is different and so is each individual health plan, it’s important to talk with your insurance provider to discuss the details of your coverage. You can call the toll-free number on the back of your insurance card to speak with a representative.
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider
When you call your insurance provider, here are some questions you should consider asking to understand your hearing aid coverage.
- What is the health plan for hearing aids?
- Do I have to use a specific provider, and if so, may I have a list of providers in my area?
- If my health plan has hearing aid benefits, do I have to pay the provider the full amount and then get reimbursed? Or can my provider bill the health plan directly?
- Are there any stipulations for coverage? Does my hearing loss have to be a certain degree in order to receive coverage?
Let Us Help You
At Hearing Unlimited, we understand hearing aids can be an investment, that’s why we are here to help you. Our front office team is extremely knowledgeable and can work with you and your insurance provider to discover what your hearing aid benefits are.
We offer the most comprehensive hearing services for the people of Monroeville, Pittsburgh, Clairton, and Irwin. Contact our office today if you need help understanding hearing aid coverage or to schedule an appointment.
