Cost Of Hearing Aids And How To Save
Hearing aids cost an average of $2,300 each. For both ears, thatâs $4,600 a pair.
Among the range of brands, Eargo tends to be a little less expensive, and Phonak hearing aids can be priced higher. Despite the sticker shock of spending thousands of dollars to manage hearing loss, savvy consumers have several ways to save money on hearing aids:
Alternative Options For Covering Hearing Aid Costs
If you are looking for an alternative method to cover hearing aid costs, there are a variety of options available.
The Veterans Administration
If your hearing loss is related to a condition you were treated for at a VA hospital, or if your loss of hearing is linked to your military service, you may be eligible for hearing aids through the VA.
What Is Included In Hearing Aid Coverage
Coverage details will depend on exactly which plan and insurance provider you have, so its best to contact your Glendale Medicare insurance agentto get accurate information about your own plan or to switch to a different one that will better meet your health needs.
Generally speaking, Medicare Advantage provide coverage for hearing tests, which can help determine whether someone would benefit from a hearing aid, along with the cost of the hearing aid devices themselves and the fitting process. Maintenance costs, such as new batteries, and repairs are often also covered. Sometimes, an insurance will require a co-pay for help cover the cost while others may provide a fixed allowance amount that a person can spend on hearing aids.
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Hearing Aids: Prescription Vs Over
So when you are looking at the hearing aids and which ones to purchase, you should be doing it with an idea of your needs. For instance, a prescription hearing aid has a very high price tag associated with it â however, it will be custom fit to your ear and programmed to your specific needs.
If you have a more severe form of hearing loss, then getting prescription hearing aids may be your best option for restoring your hearing.
Over-the-counter hearing aids do not offer the ability for your hearing aids to be specifically programmed to your exact needs. They also wont be custom fit to your ear.
However, they do have the advantage of helping you hear better without costing you thousands of dollars. Our one-size-fits-all comes with a customer satisfaction guarantee, and our sound technology will help filter out any unwanted background noise to help you better hear what you want to hear.
Lets look at the different kinds of hearing aids that you can also purchase and what benefits their differences bring.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids For Tinnitus
Older adults often want to know if Medicare will cover hearing aids for certain conditions like tinnitus. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids for any reasoneven for that pesky ringing in your ears! If you’re experiencing tinnitus and your doctor recommends hearing aids, you’ll need to pay for them with other means.
Quick Tip: Are you struggling with tinnitus? Visit our list of the best hearing aids for tinnitus to find a device that’s right for your needs.
HearMax’s built-in Tinnitus management program allows you to find the right sound to distract yourself from bothersome tinnitus
Seniors with a Medicare Advantage plan might have better luck getting coverage. Check your insurance plan to see what your options are. You may find that your coverage only includes discounts from a particular brand or select doctors’ offices. If that’s the case, make sure you’re using covered services.
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Save Upfront With Unbundling
A newer trend is unbundling the hearing aid itself and the associated services. This usually results in a lower upfront bill, which includes the hearing aids, fitting, and a limited number of follow-up visits. After that initial period, you will pay per-visit fees for service. Exact costs vary, depending on your provider and your insurance.
Changes On A Smaller Scale
Thankfully, the federal government isnt the only place where attitudes towards hearing aids are changing. Both states and private insurance companies are making moves to be more inclusive of hearing aid-related charges.
Recently Maine enacted a law that makes two big changes to medical insurance for hearing aids:
- Private Insurance: First, the new law forces private insurance companies to cover the costs involved with hearing aids. The idea is that no matter what type of plan you have, that coverage will apply to your hearing aids. Of course, how that coverage applies will vary from person to person.
- Medicaid Requirement: Second, the new law increased coverage in Maines Medicaid system. So, more people on Medicaid will be eligible for hearing aid coverage.
Maines not the only state to sign these requirements into law. New Hampshire, Arkansas, Rhode Island, and Illinois all have similar laws on the books. Most of these laws have been updated in the last few yearswhich means that theres lately been momentum building for positive change.
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How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost With Medicare
With Original Medicare, you are responsible for 100% of the costs for hearing aids and exams. The average out-of-pocket cost without insurance for a pair of hearing aids is around $2,500, but can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand. If you need hearing aids, there are other ancillary costs to consider as well, such as batteries and money spent for on-going fittings and adjustments.
With a MA plan that has hearing aid coverage, you will be responsible for either a copay for their in-network hearing aids, or you will be given a maximum allowance that goes toward paying for hearing aids. MA plans have set maximum out-of-pocket costs however, your cost sharing expenses for hearing aids do NOT count toward this limit. When you are considering your healthcare budget, know that hearing aid expenses will be in addition to your potential out-of-pocket expenses for your medical care.
Hearing aid costs vary widely depending on the type and severity of hearing loss. Most often, hearing aid coverage that is available through MA plans is helpful, but limited in scope and choice of providers. Most MA plans offer some coverage versus comprehensive coverage for hearing benefits including hearing exams and hearing aid fittings, plus a limited number of hearing aid adjustments.
For examples of hearing aid costs through MA companies, see the comparison chart below.
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Why Are Hearing Aids Not Covered By Medicare
According toElsa Pearson and Austin Frakt, back in 1965 when Medicarewas signed into law, it excluded coverage for hearing aids. At the time, hearing aids were considered âroutinely needed and low in costâ which suggested that consumers would be responsible for payment. At the time, many seniors didnt live as long as they do today, and therefore fewer people needed hearing aids due to age-related hearing loss. In addition, there was also little understanding of the link between hearing loss, depression, and social isolation.
Today, the cost of hearing aids can be considerable, and the need for them is widespread, but Medicare still doesnât cover them. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary durable medical equipment if prescribed by a doctor for use in your home. Hearing aids, unfortunately, donât meet all the criteria for DME: they are not merely useful to someone who is sick or injured, they are not solely used in your home, and they are not prescribed by a doctor.
Medicare does, however, cover diagnostic hearing tests recommended by a doctor. The âWelcome to Medicare Visitâ also requires hearing screening through questioning or a questionnaire, and the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit includes, as a requirement, evaluation using screening questions, a questionnaire, or direct observation. According to Healthy Hearing, over the years, many organizations and legislators have tried to update Medicare to cover hearing, vision, and dental costs for seniors.
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When Did The Otc Hearing Aids Come Into Effect
Congress passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act in, making hearing aids more accessible to patients with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. After the Food and Drug Administration composes updated regulations that assure the safety of these products, the OTC hearing aids will become more widely available for purchase without a doctor’s prescription.#N#This legislation is a step in the right direction to help people who cannot afford to pay the high price of hearing aids, but for many people, the price will still be restrictive. The goal of the new law is to continue to reduce hearing aid prices in the future to make them accessible to more people.
What Are Cochlear Implants
A cochlear implant is a small device surgically implanted in a persons head, behind the ear. The implant helps you hear better by communicating with an external sound processor, which is worn on the head behind the top of the ear and held in place magnetically.
To undergo cochlear implant surgery, you have to visit an ENT Implant Surgeon.
However, unlike hearing aids, cochlear implants do not amplify sound. Cochlear implants channel sound to bypass the damaged parts of the cochlea and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Getting a cochlear implant is not suitable for everyone as it involves invasive surgery and commitment post-surgery to undergo months of auditory training.
Want to know if youre eligible for a cochlear implant? Find out here.
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Can You Get Free Hearing Aids From The Veterans Health Administration
Hearing loss is the most common service-related injury for U.S. veterans.2 If you were in the service and are experiencing hearing loss in your golden years, the Veterans Health Administration, which is part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs , may be able to give you free hearing aids, or at least a significant discount on them.
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Cost Of Hearing Aids And How To Save Money
Hearing aids are about $2300. The cost is $4500 for one pair. Eargo is generally less expensive than others, but Phonak hearing aids are often much more expensive.
Hearing aid discounts are an effective way to get affordable hearing aids for less money.
Before registering, make sure the application covers your hearing aid and calculates the benefit compared to the cost of the product.
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Medicare And Hearing Aids Today
So heres where things sit now. The US House Ways and Means Committee has recently progressed a bill, the Medicare Hearing Act of 2019, that would improve coverage for Medicare patients. The passage of this bill into law would mean that youd often be able to use Medicare to help you purchase your hearing aids. Approval by the House Ways and Means Committee is the first step, so its unclear as to when this bill might actually become law in the near future.
So where will that leave you today if you go into your hearing specialists office and want to purchase some hearing aids? It depends on:
- Your coverage plan
- What state you live in
- Your specialist
- And possibly your income level
And, of course, thats just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many variables when it comes to figuring out how your insurance and your hearing aid provider may interact and intersect .
Eyeglasses And Contact Lenses
Generally, Medicare doesnt cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, following cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Medicare Part B helps pay for corrective lenses .
Note: Medicare will only pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses provided by a supplier enrolled in Medicare, no matter who submits the claim .
All people with Part B are covered. Your costs in Original Medicare are:
- You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses after each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens.
- Medicare will only pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses from a supplier enrolled in Medicare, no matter who submits the claim .
- You pay any additional costs for upgraded frames.
- You pay 100% for non-covered services, including most eyeglasses or contact lenses. The Part B deductible applies.
Note: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra vision benefits. Be sure to contact the plan for more information.
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Does Original Medicare Cover Hearing Aids
Original Medicare covers a wide range of services. Unfortunately, some often-needed services get left behindincluding routine hearing tests and hearing aids.
This does not mean that no hearing services are covered at all. If you have symptoms such as hearing loss or ringing in the ears , Medicare may cover a hearing test with an audiologist, a trained hearing specialist.
Unfortunately, even when a hearing problem is identified, Original Medicare will not cover the hearing aids to correct it.
Interestingly, if you meet certain criteria, cochlear implants are covered by Original Medicare. One of the criteria to getting cochlear transplants is that hearing aids do not provide adequate relief.
Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds in the inner ear, making it easier to detect and interpret them. When hearing aids are not effective, cochlear implants may be considered.
The cochlea is the part of the inner ear that transmits sounds to the auditory nerve and then sends those signals to the brain. Cochlear implants bypass the cochlea and stimulate the auditory nerve directly. This can be effective when the cochlea is damaged.
Hearing benefits are covered by Medicare Part B. You will need to pay a 20% coinsurance for each service.
Proactive Steps To Get Help With Hearing Aid Costs
Patients do not have to be passive about their hearing needs. Information is available online and through healthcare providers, as well as hearing aid companies, that can guide you in finding help. Private insurance companies offer a spectrum of plans that cover varying benefits, many at affordable prices. For veterans, a good place to start would be the local VA Office. Regardless of which Medicare Plan you choose, the insurance policy will list the number of a representative to call 24 hours a day. This person will be able to check the specific plan and outline in detail what it will cover. There will also be advice as to what specialized policies can be added to help cover specific needs.
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Does Replacement Part Cover Under Medicare
It totally depends upon the services which you require, other options may offer you the assistance you require.
Your device itself may not be the issue. Domes, wax guards, tubes or other components can be at fault. At Hearing Direct, you find a large number of hearing aid accessories in order to fix, repair or improve your device.
You can purchase the latest hearing aids at a fair price through HearingSol, If you need more information or you have a query about Hearing Aid or Hearing Loss, just give us a call on +91-9899437202. We are always here to help you.
More FAQ’s
How To Know If You Need A Hearing Aid
Although most hearing problems affect older people, there have been several cases of deficiencies with young adults, and in some cases, children.
The major problem when you need a hearing aid is that you may not immediately know you need one! It is a problem that graduates naturally. But there are signs that you need to observe to know if you should see an audiologist about your ears.
Signs such as hearing a ringing sound in the ears, and trouble hearing people speak over the phone are obvious red flags. If you need to pay closer attention before hearing what someone is saying or you need to increase the volume of a speaker before hearing audibly, then you may have started developing ear problems.
Note that hearing loss can be treated, but the hearing may not be restored. Thats where hearing aids and other types of procedures come in.
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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.
Will Medicare Pay For Hearing Aids
Giselle is getting fitted for her brand new hearing aids. Shes excited, and shes looking forward to listening to all the world has to offer. But shes got some questions about the billing. In her mind, her hearing aids are essential for her day to day life, no different than a pair of glasses. But her Medicare wont chip in for her hearing aids. And that doesnt seem right to Giselle.
Hearing aids are an essential part of your overall healthcare. Doctors, researchers, and hearing specialists all seem to confirm that treating hearing loss can diminish risks for larger issuessuch as depression, anxiety, or dementiain the long run. Yet, the federal government has been slow to recognize this medical reality. Thankfully, that seems to be changing.
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Other Options For Covering The Cost Of Hearing Aids
Here are a few other ideas that may offer help in paying for hearing aids:
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If you are a veteran, hearing aids may be covered by Veterans Affairs if you meet certain criteria. Once registered with the VA, make an appointment with an audiologist to determine your eligibility.
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Check out nonprofit organizations that help disadvantaged senior citizens pay for the cost of hearing aids, such as Sertoma, the National Hearing Aid Project and HearNow.
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You may choose to use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to pay for hearing aids and batteries.
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Many companies offer financing options to stretch payments over a prolonged period of time instead of paying the full price upfront.
Millions of people suffering from hearing loss continue to go without help because of the high cost of hearing aids. Dont let the cost be a deterrent for you. With the help of licensed Medicare expert, find a Medicare Advantage plan that helps minimize costs associated with these vital services.
Dr. Courtney Schmidt is a clinical consultant pharmacist and geriatric care expert. Since completing her Pharm.D. at the University of Florida., Dr. Schmidt has worked in multiple clinical settings and has served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Central Florida.
