Understanding Medicare Vs Medicaid In 2022
Medicare and Medicaid are two government-sponsored health insurance programs that can be confusing, especially because they both provide health coverage for Americans. But there are actually significant differences between them. After all, depending on which program you qualify for, you could pay quite a bit more for your health care. So, let’s have a closer look at Medicare vs Medicaid: what are they, how do they work, and who can
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Scheduling Your Hearing Exam
Under Part B, you can expect to pay 100% of the cost for exams to get fitted for hearing aids and hearing aids. If you have the financial resources and are willing to pay for it, call your doctor or hearing loss specialist to schedule a hearing exam.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and hearing services are covered, then follow your health plans rules for scheduling hearing appointments. For example, dont call a hearing specialist directly if your Medicare Advantage plan requires you to go through a primary care doctor first for a referral. You might want to contact your Medicare Advantage or other health plan to see if it offers hearing exams and hearing aid discounts through a specific program.
If you belong to Medicaid, or any other program that may help cover hearing costs, then follow the programs instructions for accessing your hearing benefits or buying a hearing aid.
How Do Part C Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Hearing Aids And Hearing Care
Private insurance companies sell Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans often include coverage for hearing, vision, and dental care, plus coverage for prescription drugs. Some comprehensive Part C plans cover hearing aids and their maintenance costs.
If you are considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s essential to review the policy’s cost and coverage, as this can vary considerably by individual policies. In 2022, the average premium for a Medicare Advantage plan is $62.66 per month.
Some popular Medicare Advantage plan companies include:
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S To Protect Your Hearing
Many of us have done damage to our hearing while young. Part of the reason hearing gets worse as you age is that the tiny hair cells in your inner ear slowly break down. When the hair cells deteriorate, you cant pick up sound vibrations like you did when younger.
That damage grows over time as we age. There are steps you can take to protect your hearing.
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How To Add Medicare Advantage To Your Medicare Plan
If you dont have Medicare Advantage but are interested in adding it to your Medicare plan, talk to a licensed Medicare professional to compare the different insurance plans that are available. Read the federal governments rules for Medicare representatives, so you are prepared before making any calls.
A licensed Medicare agent will help you compare benefits offered by different insurance companies, so you can determine which insurance plan has the best hearing aid coverage. The agent will also help you compare other benefits that are important to you, and calculate your monthly premiums and deductibles, so you can decide which plan best fits within your budget.
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Does Medicare Supplement Cover Hearing Aids
Typically, Medicare Supplement plans do not cover hearing aids. Much like Original Medicare, these plans place the responsibility of the cost of hearing aids on the user.
Meanwhile, veterans in need of hearing aids may qualify for coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs , and federal workers may be eligible for hearing aid coverage through the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, which assists federal employees, their families and survivors with coverage of their health needs.
When Do You Know You Need A Hearing Aid
Obvious signs that you might need a hearing aid include:
- Trouble understanding group conversations.
- Feeling like people are always mumbling when they arent.6
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves, especially in noisy environments.
- Nnot being able to hear well on the phone.
- Needing the television or radio volume set especially loud in order to understand.
- A ringing or hissing sound in your ears.
Normal hearing means you can hear sounds less than 25 decibels . If the softest sound you can hear is 30 decibels or louder, it may be time to consider getting a hearing aid.7
Its important to know that hearing aids dont make your hearing revert to normal. Instead, they help amplify sounds in certain pitch ranges, specifically the ranges in which youve experienced hearing loss. Its not uncommon to find that you need a hearing aid in both ears.
Wearing a hearing aid in both ears often comes with benefits, including better understanding of speech when theres background noise and you may find that youre not as worn out at the end of the day.8
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Which Medicare Plans Cover Hearing Aids
Medicare Advantage Plans, the alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits, are administered by private insurance companies. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 95% of Medicare Advantage Plans in the United States offer some hearing exam or hearing aid coverage.
Availability of MA plans varies depending on where you live. Some parts of the country have more options than others, but you should be able to find at least one plan in your area that helps with hearing aids. According to the Kaiser Family Foundations review of MA plans available in the United States in 2022, the three largest companies with MA plans are Humana, United Healthcare, and BCBS affiliates. There are other companies with MA plans that may be available in your area. These will come up for your review when you search for plans.
As an example, here is a comparison of HMO plans including the three largest companies and one other that are available in the Jefferson County, Denver, Colorado area. They all have $0 medical monthly premiums. You must stay in-network, and prior authorizations and referrals may apply. Hearing aid benefit information is based on each plans 2022 EOC or Summary of Benefits document.
Hearing Aids Sold Over
In 2017, Congress passed legislation to lower the cost of over-the-counter hearing aids. The legislation instructs the FDA to loosen the barriers to purchasing hearing aids over the counter, however, the legislation currently still needs to be passed by the FDA.
Once this rule is approved by the FDA, individuals with mild or moderate hearing loss can purchase the self-fitting hearing aids although currently, you must see an audiologist for a hearing aid fitting.
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I Wish Id Known This Before I Bought My Plan
Helpful things callers learn from our sales agents
There can be penalties if you dont sign up for Medicare Part B when youre first eligible to enroll.
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Changes In Hearing Aid Coverage With Medicare
In recent years, the high cost of hearing aids has attracted the attention of Congress. Legislation is in the works to make hearing aids more affordable for Medicare beneficiaries. However, nothing has yet passed to lower the cost of hearing aids for those on Medicare.
According to congress.gov, in early 2021, lawmakers introduced the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2021 in the House of Representatives. The bill would allow Medicare to cover hearing aids for beneficiaries with moderate to severe hearing loss.
If the bill passes, Medicare will pay for one pair of hearing aids every five years for each beneficiary. However, over-the-counter hearing aids would not receive coverage. Additionally, a qualified audiologist or physician would also need to deem the hearing aids necessary for the patient.
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It is difficult to say if and exactly when those on Medicare can take advantage of expanded hearing benefits in the future. The goal of the legislation is to make costly elements of healthcare more affordable for seniors and disabled individuals.
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Can I Get Free Hearing Aids
Free hearing aids aren’t the norm, but you might be able to snag a free pair. This is welcome news if you’re on a Medicare plan that won’t help with the cost.
Here are some groups that may offer free or highly discounted hearing aids to seniors:
- Your insurance company
- Medicare Advantage
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Local agencies and programs like Lions Club chapters
- National groups and foundations like Hearing Aid Project
- Hearing aid manufacturers
For a more detailed look, head over to our guide to free hearing aids. Just know that finding free hearing aids can take time, as you may need to add your name to a waiting list or wait for open enrollment. Another option for married seniors is to look at their spouse’s private health insurance policy to see if it covers hearing aids. If so, it may be worthwhile to join their plan.
For more information, watch the video below on free and discounted hearing aids with our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt, and audiologist Brad Ingrao.
Medicare Advantage Plans Provide The Best Overall Hearing Benefits
Unlike Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and exams.
- Hearing aids are covered by 88% of Medicare Advantage plans.
- Hearing exams are covered by 97% of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are more like traditional insurance, and they combine multiple categories of coverage, including medical, hospital, prescription drugs and add-on benefits for hearing, dental and vision. As a result, they offer more robust support for hearing health.
Keep in mind that hearing benefits vary widely with Medicare Advantage plans, and partial coverage could still leave you with high out-of-pocket costs.
On average, Medicare Advantage enrollees still pay about 79% of the cost of a hearing aid. That means it would cost you about $1,817 for a $2,300 hearing aid.
Plans may also have coverage specifics about audiologist appointments. For example, 57% of Medicare Advantage enrollees need preauthorization for a routine hearing exam. Check your policy for details on benefits and restrictions.
Best Medicare Advantage plans for hearing aids
- Typical hearing aid cost: $375 to $2,075
- Options for virtual hearing care and devices shipped to your home
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What Kind Of Hearing Aids Does Medicaid Cover
There are a variety of hearing aids that Medicaid will cover for its recipients. These include both behind-the-ear and in-the-ear models, as well as more specialized devices for those with more severe hearing loss. Medicaid will also cover the cost of batteries and other necessary accessories for hearing aids.
Medicaid in New York pays for hearing loss services to patients who meet certain criteria. Many states do not provide hearing aids coverage, but New York is one of them. Patients should consult with their doctors and/or audiologists, who will be in charge of meeting Medicaid requirements. In order to be eligible for Medicaid, a patient must provide a written recommendation from an otolaryngologist or an audiologist. In New York, hearing aids prescribed by a doctor or an audiologist are subject to a number of requirements. Hearing loss in old age is an issue that affects a large number of people. Hearing loss has been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes, including increased risks and negative health outcomes.
Still Unsure The Insurance Experts At Inland Hearing Can Help
Hearing aids provide a unique opportunity to continue living an independent and rewarding lifestyle without skipping a beat.
We want our patients to experience the incredible benefits hearing aids provide, so Inland Hearing goes the extra mile to help you get the financial help you need for your hearing aid investment.
Our insurance experts know exactly how to navigate and communicate with insurance companies, such as BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program, to determine the level of benefits included in your coverage.
Submit our insurance coverage form to learn more about your benefits, or call us at your local office by
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How To Get Help With The Cost Of Hearing Exams And Hearing Aids
Depending on where you live, there may be programs from both the state and local levels that can help with paying for an audiologist visit and hearing aids.
For example, Medicaid may cover hearing aids in some states. Its important to know your income because if it is too high, you may still be able to get assistance through your countys Social Services department.
Moreover, Medicare beneficiaries can purchase stan-alone Dental, vision, and hearing insurance that will pay up to $1,5000 per year for about $40 per month. Companies like Delta , and Aetna offer stand-alone plans or you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan which generally includes all the coverages offered by Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D, plus dental, hearing, and vision benefits.
Does Medicare Pay For Dentures
If denture or dental implant coverage is important you, then you should consider a Medicare Advantage plan as dental insurance for seniors.
Medicare Advantage plans provide Part A and Part B plus additional coverage like prescription drugs, vision, hearing, and dental health!
Most Medicare Advantage dental plans cover dentures and much more cleanings, x-rays, annual exams, fillings, pullings, and root canals.
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Do You Need A Hearing Aid
The following are some signs of when to consider having your hearing tested, according to the Food & Drug Administration:
- You hear better out of one ear than the other.
- People say you are shouting when you talk.
- You often ask people to repeat themselves.
- You canât hear a dripping faucet or high-pitched musical notes.
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Can I Get Insurance That Pays For Hearing Aids
Yes, you can get standalone insurance that helps cover the costs of hearing aids and other related services. You can use many of these plans, whether you have Original Medicare alone, a Medicare Supplement plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan. The details of each plan may vary, so be sure to check for information such as networks and deductibles or copays.
If you think that you may need insurance in thefuture, you should consider your options now, as many plans have waitingperiods that you must meet before theyll cover more expensive items likehearing aids. Ultimately, hearing insurance is important. It can help youafford services that might otherwise be too expensive to pay for out-of-pocket.
Nothing on this website should ever be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult with your medical provider regarding diagnosis or treatment for a health condition, including decisions about the correct medication for your condition, as well as prior to undertaking any specific exercise or dietary routine.
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How Is Hearing Loss Diagnosed
If you are having trouble hearing, see your health care provider. He may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if there is a medical cause for your hearing loss. You may also see an audiologist for a hearing test. Hearing tests can help identify the cause of the hearing loss and also measure its severity.
