How Do Hearing Aid Discount Plans Work?

Hearing aid costs vary depending on technology level, features, and professional services included. This leaves many people searching for other ways to make care affordable without compromising quality.

Discount health care programs aren’t insurance, but they provide members without insurance with discounts on health care services, thereby helping reduce out-of-pocket costs. In some states, discount health plans must be registered with state regulators, so always check that your provider is legitimate before signing up! [1]

It’s important to note that you can’t use a health discount program and an insurance health plan benefit at the same time. This is usually because insurance plans are usually giving their members a discount with their benefit, and offer additional funds to keep hearing prices lower.

To Read: Why Are Hearing Aids So Expensive? 

Hearing aid discount plans work similarly to a membership savings program. Instead of paying premiums for insurance coverage, you pay a low annual or monthly fee to access pre-negotiated discounts on hearing-related products and services.

However, it’s important to note that some discount plans, including Amplifon’s, do not require members to provide a fee to participate in the program.

Members typically receive:

• Reduced pricing on hearing aids. Some programs offer significant percentages off retail costs.
  
  
• Access to nationwide audiology networks. You can visit participating providers who honor the plan’s pricing.
  
  
• Trial periods and follow-up care. Depending on the provider, plans may include aftercare, adjustments, or remote support.

Financing is another helpful option. Unlike discount plans, it allows you to pay for hearing aids over time rather than reducing the total price. Take a look at Amplifon Hearing Healthcare’s financing options for hearing aids.  

It’s easy to confuse a health insurance plan discount with a medical discount plan, but they’re not the same.

A health insurance plan discount is the negotiated rate your insurer pays providers. It’s essentially the lower cost you get when visiting in-network doctors or audiologists. It’s part of your insurance benefits.

A medical discount plan, on the other hand, is not insurance. It doesn’t pay any part of your bill. Instead, it gives you access to lower pricing directly through participating providers.

If your insurance doesn’t cover hearing aids, adding a discount plan may fill that gap and reduce your total expense.

Before enrolling in any hearing aid discount plan, review the fine print carefully:

• Confirm provider availability. Make sure there participating audiologists or hearing specialists in your area.
  
  
• Check what’s included. Some programs cover hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up visits, while others only discount the devices.
  
  
• Avoid “too good to be true” claims. Discounts that seem excessively high may be based on inflated “retail” prices.
  
  
• Ensure transparency. Look for plans that clearly list device brands, warranty terms, and service details upfront.

Take a look at some other commonly asked hearing insurance questions.