As we age, hearing loss is a common challenge that many people face. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD),(opens in a new tab) around 25% of adults aged 65 to 74, and 50% of those aged 75 and older, have disabling hearing loss.
Fortunately, hearing aids are available to help people with hearing loss resume their daily activities and improve their quality of life. However, hearing aid costs can be expensive. Some insurance plans don't cover the cost of hearing aids, which leaves many people with hearing loss struggling to afford the equipment they need.
At Hearing Unlimited, we understand being able to afford hearing aids' cost is an important factor when it comes to hearing aid coverage. That's why we offer a range of affordable hearing aids for our patients, keeping our hearing aid prices reasonable for as many patients as possible. We can also help you navigate your insurance coverage to ensure that you get the best possible coverage for quality hearing aids.
Read more to explore several options that may help you reduce the cost of hearing aids and get the hearing aid benefits you deserve.
Medicare Coverage
Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not typically cover hearing aid cost or a free hearing test. However, some private Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing aid coverage.
If you're enrolled in Medicare, we recommend contacting your plan provider or an insurance agent to determine if hearing aid device coverage is included in your plan or if prescription hearing aids be added as an optional extra.
Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid programs may cover hearing devices and related services in some states, including Pennsylvania. The hearing aid coverage provided by Medicaid varies by state, so it's important to contact your local Medicaid office for more information.
In the state of Pennsylvania, Medicaid does cover hearing aids for children under the age of 21 who are enrolled in the Medical Assistance program. For adults, Medicaid will cover the cost of a hearing test, but not the cost of hearing aids.
Private Insurance Coverage
If you have private insurance, it's important to read through your plan details thoroughly to determine if and how much hearing health coverage is offered. Some plans may cover a portion of the cost or provide discounts on hearing aids, while others may not. It's also worth noting that many insurance plans require prior authorization before they will cover the cost of a device for hearing loss.
If you're unsure how to proceed with your insurance coverage, the experienced staff at Hearing Unlimited are always available to help guide you through the process. Veteran's Affairs (VA) Coverage If you're a veteran, you may be eligible for hearing aid coverage through the Veteran's Affairs (VA) health plan. The VA will cover the cost of hearing aids and related services, such as a hearing test or fitting, for veterans who have service-connected disabilities. To determine if your plan covers the cost of hearing devices, contact the nearest VA medical center to you or call the VA health benefits office at 1-877-222-8387. If you're unsure whether or not you qualify for VA coverage, contact your local VA office to find out more information before making an appointment with Hearing Unlimited. Other Programs Several nonprofit organizations offer financial assistance programs for individuals with moderate to severe hearing loss who need hearing aids but cannot afford them. Some of the organizations that help patients to mitigate hearing aid costs include:
- The Starkey Hearing Foundation
- Miracle-Ear Foundation
- Hear Now Program
The eligibility requirements for these programs vary, so it's important to contact each organization for more information.
Visit Pittsburgh's Top Hearing Aid Providers
Hearing aids can be life-changing for individuals with severe or moderate hearing loss, which is why it's so important that patients have affordable hearing aid options.
At Hearing Unlimited's hearing aid clinic, we have years of experience helping patients to find the best hearing aid brands at prices reasonable for as many patients as possible. We can also help you navigate your insurance coverage to ensure that you get the best possible coverage for the device you need.
Schedule an appointment with Hearing Unlimited today and let us help you find the hearing aids that fit your needs and lifestyle!
