Hearing Care Insurance and Financials

Will my health insurance pay any of the costs of purchasing hearing aids?

Many health insurance plans cover the costs of diagnostic audiology services, such as hearing tests. Some plans also cover hearing aid evaluation and partial or full coverage of hearing aids.

For those plans that do cover hearing aids, some will cover 100 percent of the charge for a standard hearing aid, while others will pay only a portion of the charges (i.e. 70 or 80 percent). Some plans require a co-payment, and deductibles must also be met. Your out-of-pocket expense will vary depending upon your co-payment percentage, your deductible and the type of hearing aids selected. Most plans require you to pay an “upgrade fee” for advanced digital hearing aids. Some plans require you to see an ear specialist physician (ENT) prior to being fit with hearing aids.

At this time, Medicare* does not cover hearing aids. Medicare does cover hearing tests when your physician has recommended the test due to medical necessity and has provided a written prescription. In Michigan, Medicaid** covers hearing aids for children, and some Medicaid plans cover hearing aids for adults.

Prior to your appointment at the Hearing Center, we strongly suggest you check with your health insurance plan or benefits manager to determine if hearing aids are covered by your insurance policy.

For assistance in determining your benefits, call Allegiance Hearing Center at (517) 787-1468. By providing our staff with your health insurance plan information, we are able to obtain your specific benefit information.

Many health insurance policies do not include hearing aids as a covered benefit, in which case, we accept payment by cash, check or credit card at the time the hearing aid order is placed. In some instances, financing options are available.

Allegiance Health Insurance Benefits

Benefits for Allegiance Health employees and their dependents covered under the Allegiance Health Insurance plan include audiology (hearing) services and hearing aids. Allegiance Health is a leader with the level of coverage that is provided to staff and their dependents. Providing a benefit plan that includes hearing services complements our health system’s unique emphasis on prevention and wellness.

Services included in this benefit are diagnostic hearing evaluations, hearing aid evaluations and hearing aids, covered up to 90 percent to a maximum total benefit of $2,000 every three years. Services must be provided by Allegiance Hearing Center to receive the benefit.

If you have any concerns about your hearing, be sure to take advantage of this benefit by scheduling an appointment to have your hearing checked by one of the highly skilled audiologists at the Allegiance Hearing Center.

Purchasing Additional Insurance Protection for Hearing Aids

You’ve made an important investment in your hearing aids. Your new hearing aids have a warranty from the manufacturer which covers repairs, as well as loss and damage, for a specified period of time.

Most manufacturers offer you the option to purchase an extended repair warranty for your hearing aids. Your audiologist can provide information about the cost and availability of extended warranties.

Some patients want the peace of mind of additional insurance protection for their hearing aids. There are several options for this type of extra protection:

Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance Policy

Check with your homeowners or renters insurance provider. Some of these insurance policies may cover the unintentional loss or damage of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Deductibles usually apply.

ESCO Ear Service Corporation

This insurance company offers protection for hearing aids against loss, theft and fire. Extended warranty coverage is also available.

ESCO
3215 Fernbrook Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447

(800) 992-3726
info@earserve.com (e-mail)
www.earserv.com

Midwest Hearing Industries, Inc.

This insurance company offers protection against loss and theft of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Some policies cover repair of the hearing aids and devices as well.

Midwest Hearing Industries, Inc.
4510 West 77th Street, #201
Minneapolis, MN 55435

(800) 821-5471
(952) 835-9481 (fax)
www.mwhi.com

Additional Costs Associated with Hearing Aids

Note: the costs outlined below do not apply to all hearing aids.

Additional costs associated with Hearing Aids
Item Cost
Batteries $4 – 10 per month per hearing aid, depending on the size of your hearing aid, the size of the battery and daily hours of use. Batteries can be purchased at the Allegiance Hearing Center and are guaranteed to be fresh. You can also purchase batteries at most stores with a pharmacy.
RITE Receivers Your new hearing aids will come with a 1- or 2-year repair warranty. Once the original warranty expires, there will be a cost to replace the RITE receiver. Currently the cost is $90 – 115  per receiver.
Earmolds Currently earmolds cost $75+ per earmold. Earmolds need to be replaced every 1 – 3 years.
Tubes and Domes The first supply of tubes and domes will be provided free of charge. Additional packages of tubes or domes can be purchased for $10. Tubes and domes generally need to be replaced every 3 – 4 months.
Wax Guards Wax guards are used on In-The-Ear and RITE hearing aids. A package of wax guards currently costs $5.
Repair Costs Your new hearing aids will come with a 1- or 2-year repair warranty. Once the original warranty expires, the cost to repair a hearing aid varies depending on hearing aid company and age of your hearing aid. Currently the cost ranges from $130 – 450.
Additional Supplies You may find additional supplies, such as a battery tester, an earmold tubing blower or lubricating Otoease helpful for using and caring for your hearing aids. Prices vary.
  • *Medicare is the federal health insurance program that is designated for those who are 65 years of age and older. Medicare plans are also applicable to certain disabled people.
  • **Medicaid provides medical assistance to certain individuals and families with low incomes and resources.