Additional Ways To Pay For Hearing Aids
Most hearing aid providers offer smart financing options, where you can pay for hearing aids via budget-friendly monthly installments, but there are other resources that may be available to you.
Private health insurance
Hearing aid coverage for adults is not mandated in every state. Some private health insurance companies cover the costs of hearing tests, a hearing aid evaluation and even partial or full coverage of a hearing aid. Others provide none at all. Check your individual plan coverage by calling the member services phone number on your insurance card.
Flexible medical spending plans
Some employers sponsor Flexible Medical Spending Plans, which allow you to set aside a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis. The money can be used throughout the year to pay for medical expenses not covered by your insurance provider. Using pre-tax flexible spending dollars is an excellent way to offset hearing aid expenses.
Health savings plans
Health savings plans are tax-advantaged medical savings accounts available to taxpayers who are enrolled in high-deductible health plans. The money contributed to health savings plans is not taxed at time of deposit and accumulates year over year, with interest, if it is not spent. Health savings plans can be used for medical and healthcare-related purchases not covered by insurance, including hearing aids.
Medicare
Medicaid
Most state Medicaid programs cover partial or complete costs for hearing aids.
Veteran benefits
How To Qualify For Va Healthcare
To get hearing aids from the VA, you’ll need to apply for healthcare coverage through the Veterans Health Administration . This arm of the VA addresses current healthcare needs it does not establish service connection for any injuries or disabilities you may have incurred during your service. You can apply online or over the phone. You may also be able to establish eligibility at a local VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic . You’ll need your DD-214 and health insurance cards. The VA will also do a means test, so having a few years of tax returns handy can speed up the process.
Once you are deemed eligible for general VA healthcare, you are automatically eligible for audiology care, including hearing evaluations, hearing aids, assistive hearing technologies, and even cochlear implants if you need them. The VHA also provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for tinnitus.
Oticon Rechargeable Base Station
If your income is above a certain level, you may be required to pay about $100 in copayments for the evaluation and fitting, but the cost of the devices themselves are fully covered if you are eligible. Batteries, consumable supplies like wax guards, and follow-up care are also provided. If you are eligible but already bought hearing aids elsewhere, you can register them with the VA and then get these supplies at no cost.
One of Phonak’s BTE hearing aid styles
National And State Resources For Free Hearing Aids
Many agencies and foundations at the national and state levels provide assistance to seniors in purchasing hearing aids. For seniors seeking financial hearing aid assistance, it is just a matter of contacting these foundations and filling out any necessary applications to see if you qualify for help. It can take some time, but if it saves you thousands of dollars, we think it is worth it!
For a list of financial assistance options, visit HearingLoss.org. You may also find an option through the list provided by the Hearing Aid Project at the state or national level. Your local Area Agency on Aging may also be able to direct you to local resources.
Starkey Hearing Aids Lineup
You May Like: Risk Of Contracting Hiv From Needle Stick
Assistive Devices Program During Covid
For individuals applying for a grant for ADP-funding supplies, the ADP office is accepting new applications for funding assistance by:
- email: assistivedevicesprogram@one-mail.on.ca
- fax: 416 327-8192
For vendors submitting an application on behalf of their client, the ADP office is accepting new applications for funding assistance by:
- electronic submission
What About Private Insurance
While some insurance plans may cover the full cost of your hearing aids, others may just cover a portion and many won’t cover them at all. It’s best to check your insurance plan to see if your hearing aid purchase will be covered. If it’s not, don’t fret. We’re here to provide you the best service and help you with your financing needs every step of the way.
Recommended Reading: What Does It Mean When Someone Is Hiv Undetectable
Everyones Hearing Needs And Wants Are Different
If you work and lead an active social life, you may want and require hearing aids with discreet, advanced and automated features. If you spend more of your time at home pursuing quiet activities, a less expensive level of technology with basic functionality might be right for you.
Regardless of your specific needs, hearing aids can help enhance your quality of life by ensuring you dont miss out on important moments, enabling you to remain social and active, keeping you safe and alert, and bringing you the joy of hearing your favorite sounds, music and people.
Financial Support Program For Hearing Aids
Help your family find hearing aids. Find out how our Financial Assistance Program for Hearing Aids helps families attain hearing aids.
Texas Hearing Institutes financial support for hearing aids provides hearing aids and follow-up audiologic services to children who qualify.
Texas Hearing Institute relies on generous donors like you to provide hearing aids to children who need them. Please click here to give the gift of sound to a child today.
Our Financial Support Program for Hearing Aids has been in place since 2003 in response to funding cuts for childrens hearing aids. Many children living in the greater Houston area do not have insurance nor do they qualify for any other assistance programs. Sadly, these children have been left behind and denied access to amplification. Texas Hearing Institute is committed to serving children, regardless of their financial situation. The Financial Support Program for Hearing Aids provides free hearing aids, as well as audiological services, including evaluations, fitting, and maintenance instructions for hearing devices. Hearing aids are essential tools for a hearing-impaired child to access educational services and to achieve lifelong success.
How the program works:
If you have a child you would like to be considered for the Financial Support Program for Hearing Aids, please contact the Audiology Department at 337-6732, to find out how you can enroll a child into this program.
Don’t Miss: New York Hiv Disclosure Law
Government Hearing Aid Assistance
Financial help for hearing aids may be provided by the federal government, but this support can also be limited. Basic Medicare, for example, doesnt cover hearing aid units or fitting examsalthough some Medicare Advantage Plans do. Inquire by phone or email your local Medicare center to ensure they offer this coverage.
- Hearing aid coverage through Medicaid depends on which state you live in. Some states do not offer coverage, while others offer coverage with set limitationsand only if you are eligible
- The Veterans Affairs Department provides hearing aid assistance programs for those who qualify. You must also maintain eligibility for VA care to receive these benefits.
Financial Aid For Hearing Aids And Cochlear Implants
When insurance won’t pay for hearing aids or won’t pay the full cost of a cochlear implant and family income is too low to purchase hearing aids or an implant outright, what are you to do? One can turn to a variety of resources for help. There is no guarantee, though, that you will receive the help needed.
There are governmental sources that may pay for hearing aids for those who qualify.
- Medicaid: Most state Medicaid programs will pay for hearing aids.
- Veterans Affairs : If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability of 10% or greater, hearing aids may be provided by the VA.
- In some cases, state vocational rehabilitation agencies may pay for hearing aids for deaf clients.
- If your family does not qualify for federal programs such as Medicaid, there may be a Children’s Rehabilitative Services program under the state government that would pay.
- Some state governments, such as South Dakota’s Division of Rehabilitation Services, have cochlear implant programs to help both uninsured and insured people.
Sometimes you can get the school to provide hearing aids.
Also Check: Can Hiv Positive Donate Plasma
Funding Toolkits For Parents
The following are “toolkits” prepared by parent groups, state agencies, and other associations that may assist in locating resources.
Answers 4 Families: Supporting Families in Nebraska The Answers 4 Families website contains links to applications for a number of national assistance programs covering the costs associated with hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other needs of children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
The Parent Funding Toolkit for Families of Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing in ColoradoThis Funding Tool Kit is the collaborative effort of three family support groups: Family Voices, Colorado Families for Hands & Voices, and the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf, Inc. The parents who compiled this information all have children with a hearing loss and wanted to help identify funding sources to pay for hearing aids and/or related expenses.
Travelers Protective Association Of America Scholarship Trust For The Hearing Impaired
3755 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108Website: The TPA Scholarship Trust for the Hearing Impaired provides financial aid to children and adults with hearing impairment who need assistance obtaining devices, medical treatment or specialized education or services. There are no age restrictions or requirements for degree of hearing loss grants are based solely on financial need.
There are many national groups that have programs administered at the level of the local chapter. Not every local chapter participates in these hearing assistance projects, so youll have to contact the one in your area to determine if they can help. Some of the groups to consider are the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Rotary Club and Sertoma. If youre not sure if you have a local group for any of these organizations, your hearing care professional can help you find these and other sources for financial assistance.
Also Check: What Type Of Disease Is Hiv
Hearing Aid Foundations May Offer Assistance
Some major hearing aid companies, like Miracle-Ear and Starkey, have established foundations to provide hearing aids to people who need them but may not be able to afford them. You can visit the Miracle-Ear Foundation and Starkey Hearing Foundation websites to fill out an application and see if you qualify for assistance from them.
Discover The Next Generation Of Hearing Technology
If you struggle with hearing loss, the right hearing aid can change your life. Todays hearing aids deliver impressive functionality in sleek and stylish designs.
Your TruHearing benefit gives you access to a wide variety of hearing aid models and styles, with the latest technologyall at significant savings. From nearly invisible designs to wireless streaming capabilities, theres a hearing aid for every need, every age, and every lifestyle.
Also Check: What Happens When You Are Hiv Positive And Pregnant
Buying Hearing Aids Online
Most of the companies included on this page are direct-to-consumer brands, meaning that you can buy a hearing aid from them, usually online, without visiting an audiologists office. Many of them are FDA-registered, Class I medical devices. These FDA-registered hearing aids you can buy online are not PSAPs they are proper hearing aids designed to help people diagnosed with hearing loss.
However, its important to note that FDA registration is not the same thing as FDA approval. Class I medical devices pose the lowest risk of harm to consumers and thus are not required to undergo the testing process necessary for FDA approval before reaching the market. Being FDA-registered simply means that the FDA knows that the product is being manufactured. On the other hand, FDA approval means that there has been sufficient testing of the product and it has been determined that the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Hearing aids sold directly to consumers online can certainly still be safe and effective as long as they are custom-programmed for wearers sound profiles, ideally by an audiologist. If youre on a budget, buying a hearing aid online from a company that offers remote care and adjustments with an audiologist can be the best way to get a high-quality and safe hearing aid.
Hearing Aid Assistance Coverage By State
Hearing aid coverage by state varies, and is dependent on whether your health care insurance policy includes a provision for state-mandated benefits. Only five statesRhode Island, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Arkansasrequire health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for seniors and adults.
Further, these state insurance laws can differ significantly when it comes to the amount covered, benefit periods, and provider qualifications. For example, Connecticut requires policies to cover hearing aids for kids 12 years or younger, while Delaware mandates coverage for everyone under 24.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If I Have Hiv
List Of Financial Assistance For Hearing Aids
1. Ear Community
Ear Community is a charitable organization, under the wing of the Broomfield Community Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Ear Community helps children and adults who are born with Microtia and Atresia resulting in hearing loss). If you need help obtaining a BAHA and have been denied by your insurance plan or can not afford to purchase one, please apply at the following link:
2. Starkey Hearing Foundation and Hear Now
Starkey Hearing Foundation provide Assistance for low-income individuals permanently residing in the U.S. with no other resources to acquire hearing aids. Starkey Hearing Foundation fit more than 100,000 hearing aids annually to children and adults through Starkey global hearing missions and the daily efforts of Starkey domestic Hear Now program. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative, Starkey have pledged to fit more than 1 million hearing aids to people in need this decade.
6700 Washington Avenue SouthPh: 800-328-8602 947-4997 Fax
3. Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is a 501 nonprofit organization. Deadline to apply is usually sometime in October of every year.
Contact Information:E-mail:
4. Ear to Ear Foundation
Ear to Ear Foundation Inc.PO Box 280327
6. The Better Hearing Institue
Hearusa: With You Every Step Of The Way
- A free consultation and assessment of your hearing health
- Device warranty to make sure you’re always protected
- A wide selection of top hearing aid brands with competitive prices
- Free cleaning and adjustments for the life of your hearing aids
- A personalized fitting once you’ve found your perfect pair
- A financing options that fits your needs
- A risk-free hearing aid trial
Recommended Reading: The Global Hiv Aids Epidemic
Can You Get Free Hearing Aids
You can follow several avenues to save big bucks on hearing aids. Here is a quick overview of your options, then we’ll dive into the details to see if you qualify.
- The Veterans Health Administration
- National and state foundations
- Insurance and Medicare
Watch the video below for the inside scoop on how to get free or reduced-cost hearing aids. Audiologist Brad Ingrao chats with Jeff Hoyt, our editor-in-chief, about everything you need to know:
Financing Options For Hearing Aids
âI need a hearing aid but canât afford itâ
If your insurance does not offer enough coverage for hearing aids, your next step is to consider financing, which allows you to distribute the cost of your devices evenly in convenient monthly payments. We offer financing from Allegro and CareCredit.
Our flexible financing is available to everyone and applying is easy. We want to make sure that price doesnât get in the way of improving your quality of life. Our hearing aid experts can answer any questions related to health insurance and financing. Donât hesitate to contact us at any time to help finance your hearing aids.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Signs Of Hiv In The Body
Financial Assistance For Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are expensive. Understand your health insurance coverage and learn about other financial assistance programs.
The Hearing Aid Program for Infants and Children pays for hearing aids for children. To qualify, children must be between birth and age 21. The family must also qualify based on income.
Hearing Aids For Mr Chugg
Allen had long struggled with hearing loss, getting progressively worse throughout the years. In the spring of 2018, he was told that he would need hearing aids or risk losing even more of his ability to hear. His daughter, Jamie, turned to fundraising for help. Through crowdfunding, they raised nearly $7,000 to buy new hearing aids for her dad.
You May Like: Which Is True About Supplements And Herbal Diet Aids
National And State Resources For Free/subsidized Hearing Aids
In addition to the financial assistance options described above, there are national, state, or local resources available to help people access affordable hearing aids. Below, we list some of the national resources for seniors who need help finding free or low-cost hearing aids. To find additional local or state resources in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Resource
This organization was founded in 2004 to help those with hearing and vision impairments. In 2019, they started focusing on helping low-income individuals afford hearing aids. You can apply to receive one of Help America Hears free hearing aids on the organizations website.
Lions Club Affordable Hearing Aid Project
Lions Club International partners with audiologists for the AHAP, a program that provides individuals in need with high-quality, low-cost hearing aids. You can apply to receive one of these hearing aids via mail with an application form, or ask your audiologist if they currently work with Lions Club on the AHAP.
Miracle-Ear Foundation
Miracle-Ear is a hearing aid retailer that operates a foundation to help people in need access hearing aids. For each hearing aid Miracle-Ear sells through retail, it donates one through the Foundation. You can learn more about eligibility and apply on Miracle-Ears website.
National Hearing Aid Project
Starkey Hearing Foundation