Medicaid & Hearing Aids

Hearing aids can be very expensive for those who need them. In some cases, individuals may find that they are not even an affordable option. Many private health insurance companies do not cover the cost of hearing aids. Medicaid may offer some relief by either covering or reimbursing individuals for the cost of hearing aids.

The Facts

• Medicaid is health insurance, which is offered to low income families and individuals who are eligible to receive benefits. Hearing aids and hearing aids services may be covered or reimbursed through Medicaid. It is important to note that the hearing aid services which are offered by Medicaid and eligibility requirements for receiving coverage vary according to guidelines which have been set forth by the state. Some states provide coverage for all individuals who need hearing aids, but others have limitations and restrictions.

Considerations

• The number of hearing aids that an individual is able to receive through Medicaid coverage is limited in many states. Individuals may also be limited to receiving a certain number of hearing aids in a given number of years. Many states provide coverage to children, but not adults. These states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

Features

• In states where hearing aid coverage is provided by Medicaid, hearing aids and hearing aid services may be covered. The individual is generally limited to certain hearing aids models or may receive a price range that they must fall within. Many states that offer hearing aids also provide coverage for hearing aids services. This may include diagnostic testing, hearing exams and speech therapy. It may also cover the cost of related items, such as hearing aid batteries, a cleaning kit and ear molds.

Restrictions

• In order to qualify for coverage for hearing aids and hearing aids services through Medicaid, eligible individuals will generally need to prove that they have a medical need for them because their hearing. The method of proving this will vary according to the specific state. Most individuals will need to have a proper hearing examination performed within six months of receiving hearing aids, as well as medical documentation from an audiologist or physician.

Significance

• According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, only about 20 percent of all people who need hearing aids actually get them. Being unable to afford hearing aids is just one of the many reasons for this. Avoiding hearing aids can have a negative impact on effective communication in various social situations, including family and the workplace. Individuals who qualify for Medicaid and are eligible to receive hearing aids should take advantage of this opportunity.