Hearing Aid Insurance Explained

Access to high-quality hearing health care is critical for patients with hearing loss. Yet, the high cost of hearing aids often presents a significant obstacle for them. One that prevents patients from seeking the care they need to improve their hearing health and quality of life.

Most patients are still unaware that their current insurance plan covers hearing aids—delaying necessary treatment for hearing loss.

As you already know, this delay puts patients at greater risk of cognitive decline, falls, and social isolation. 

A growing number of insurance plans now offer hearing health benefits, but the extent of what's covered varies.

Coverage for hearing aids varies widly.  Some plans cover all or most of the cost of hearing aids with minimal out of pocket cost for patients.  Others simply offer discounted rates, so the patient pays the entire cost, which is still reduced compared to standard hearing aid pricing.

• Medicare, does not cover the cost of hearing aids. However, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may offer coverage.
• Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies by state, but in general, Medicaid provides limited coverage for hearing aids. Some states may cover hearing aids for children, while others may also cover them for adults.
• Private insurance providers, may also offer coverage for hearing aids, either partially or entirely, depending on the plan. However, more often than not, when private insurance plans offer hearing aid coverage, it usually comes in the form of a discount program which can be limiting.
• The Veterans Administration (VA) provides hearing aid coverage for eligible veterans. To qualify, however, an audiologist must assess whether the veteran requires hearing aids through a clinical evaluation. If approved for coverage, veterans will not be required to pay for their hearing aids, repairs, or batteries as long as they remain eligible for VA care.
• In some cases, Workers' Compensation may cover hearing aids if the patient's hearing loss was caused by a work-related injury.
• Additionally, Unions and other labor/employer groups may offer coverage for hearing aids or a discount program as part of their benefits

Generally speaking, when it comes to hearing health care, insurance plans vary significantly. Therefore, patients must check their benefits to understand their coverage options.

The good news is there's a simple way to do this. 

Understanding what services and treatments their insurance plan covers is critical for patients. It allows them to make informed decisions about their hearing health without being derailed by unexpected costs. When patients have a clear understanding of their insurance coverage, they will use their benefits effectively.

Just like dental or medical care, benefits have an expiration date. With this deadline in mind, patients should take advantage of their coverage before the end of the plan year to avoid losing their benefits.

This leads to more patients getting the hearing care they need and more yearly appointments to your clinic – just remember that hearing aids need to be fitted and picked up by the patient by the end of the plan year in order to use that year’s benefit.

At Amplifon Hearing Health Care, we offer comprehensive support to both patients and providers. Our team is dedicated to educating your patients about their benefits and connecting them to you—at no cost to you.

By joining our provider network, you can increase patient referrals, access helpful resources and training, and streamline your payment processing and reimbursements. This frees you to focus on what's most important: your patients' hearing health.