Understanding Common Insurance Benefits for Hearing Devices

Here are some basics on hearing health insurance benefits.

Commercial/Private Insurance

If your plan includes a hearing health benefit, it is often defined as a specific dollar amount allocated annually or every few years, and you will need to meet your deductible before your insurance covers testing and hearing device costs. This type of insurance may also offer out-of-network hearing benefits. In these cases, it is important to understand that these companies deem a ‘value’ to a hearing aid, which is often the most basic technology.

Third-Party Administrators (TPAs)

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, a TPA functions as an intermediary between this government insurance program and the hearing provider to manage costs effectively.

With a TPA, patients are restricted to in-network providers only. TPAs also control the type of hearing product and level of care, which limits your options and potentially necessitates out-of-pocket costs for vital services and specific types of hearing devices. We have many options that are competitive with these plans, allowing our patients to stay with the practice and utilize our expertise for the best hearing outcomes.

Medicaid & Vocational Rehabilitation

These programs only cover the most basic of hearing device technology.

Veteran’s Administration

The VA provides hearing devices at no cost to veterans and all the care and services that accompany them. It usually dispenses the highest level of technology.

Workers’ Compensation

If you suffer a work-related injury that impacts your hearing, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation hearing benefits. These include hearing devices and services, available at no out-of-pocket costs.

Fort HealthCare Audiology can help guide you to the insurance/financing option that works best for your needs and budget. Call today at 920.563.6667 in Fort Atkinson or 262.473.8920 in Whitewater to explore your options and schedule a hearing evaluation or complimentary hearing screening.