Things Are Changing For Hearing Aid Insurance
Unfortunately, most insurance companies don't cover hearing aids. As the United States population grows older and the demand for hearing aids increases, some people are trying to pressure insurance companies into providing coverage.
With some plans, you can pay a higher premium to get hearing coverage. This includes PlanPlus, Midwest Hearing Industries and ESCO. If you suffer from hearing loss, one of these plans may be worth the high premium.
Some argue that it would be too costly for insurance companies to cover hearing aids, since the number of people over 60 who need them is quite high. But, others argue that most insurance plans cover eyeglasses, which are also needed by a large number of people.
Another issue is hearing aids for children. For many kids with hearing loss, hearing aids are a necessary tool for learning how to speak, as well as enjoying life to the fullest.
With an increasing number of Americans needing hearing aids, this may change in the future. After all, insurance companies cover treatment for self-inflicted problems such as alcoholism, so there is a good chance that if enough people write letters and talk to their insurance companies, they may begin providing coverage.
Recently, several states have passed laws requiring that health benefit plans cover hearing aids for children. These states are Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma and Rhode Island. Although they are all required to cover hearing aids for children, each state varies on what age is covered, how much money is provided, what kinds of hearing loss is covered and qualifications for eligibility.
There have been quite a few cases where hearing aid wearers have written letters of complaint to their insurance companies, and received some small coverage in return. It may be a good idea to talk to your insurance provider and see what kind of deals they might offer you.
Although most insurance companies don't offer coverage for hearing aids, ear surgery is almost always covered. For hearing loss sufferers who need cochlear implants, funding is often provided by their insurance companies.
Technically, Medicare and Medicaid do not pay for hearing aids, but many people have received funding for their hearing aids by having their doctor submit a request for them. In this case, it would be illegal for them to refuse to provide funding.
The Listen-Up Web website offers links with more detailed information on insurance. There is specific information for different states, as well as Medicare and Medicaid information. Here is their website: http://www.listen-up.org/haidfund.htm
Although insurance does not usually cover hearing aids, things are changing. As hearing aid users become more numerous and more vocal, they are pressuring states and insurance companies into providing coverage.