Millions of Americans have at least some degree of hearing loss. It goes without saying that many of them would benefit from using hearing aids. However, the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) notes that only 1 in 3 people who need hearing aids use them. One of the biggest factors that prevent people from getting these devices is their cost. And unfortunately, very few insurance plans cover the cost of hearing aids.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?
The cost of hearing aids can vary significantly based on the type and style of the device. However, on average, a single hearing aid can cost over $2,000 in the United States. Additional features, sophisticated technology, fitting services, and warranties can increase the price even more.
Coverage for Hearing Aids
The following states require private insurance companies to pay for hearing aids for children:
– Kentucky
– Delaware
– Maine
– Tennessee
– North Carolina
– New Jersey
– Wisconsin
– Missouri
– New Mexico
– Oregon
– Minnesota
– Colorado
– Louisiana
– Texas
– Massachusetts
– Oklahoma
– Maryland
– Georgia
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, the following states require hearing aids coverage for people of all ages.
– Connecticut
– Arkansas
– Rhode Island
– New Hampshire
– Illinois
Even if private insurance does not cover hearing aids themselves, many policies pay for hearing tests as well as hearing aid evaluations. Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program, does not cover hearing aid evaluations or hearing aids. However, Medicare Part B pays for doctor-ordered hearing tests. State Medicaid plans, on the other hand, cover hearing aids for kids and also for adults in many cases.
Things to Consider
Although private health insurance plans may not cover the cost of hearing aids directly, many insurers offer add-ons for this purpose. What’s more, specialty hearing aid insurance is, in fact, becoming more and more common in the marketplace. Here are a few things to consider if one is eligible for hearing aids coverage under their health insurance plan.
– Research the maximum allowable charge for a hearing aid device under the health insurance plan. If the policy document does not mention a specific figure, it’s best to contact the insurance company to find out. – Check if the insurer requires those seeking hearing aids to deal with a company out of state. This may mean having to travel often for fittings and repairs, having to choose from a small range of devices, or even having to pick a hearing aid device online.
– Determine if the health insurance plan offers any discount programs that could help lower the cost of hearing aids.
