While approximately .08% of children born
in the U.S. have some degree of hearing impairment, the vast majority
of audio-impaired people are over age 50. Because the people in
this age range often have limited resources for health coverage,
purchasing hearing aids can be financially difficult.
It is not unusual for older people to procrastinate about going
to hearing evaluations. They usually know if they are losing their
hearing and know that hearing aids are expensive. If they are
uninsured or underinsured, they may have trouble making such a
purchase.
Unfortunately for those without private health insurance, hearing
aids may have to be purchased out-of-pocket. The debate of the
issue of Medicare and hearing aids has been a lengthy and ongoing
battle. With only a few exceptions, Medicare continues to exclude
hearing aid coverage in both of the plans: A & B. Even people
who purchase additional Medigap policies through private insurance
companies will not receive hearing aid coverage.
Luckily, however, over the past few years, Medicare has increased
health coverage options. Some seniors now have the option of a
Medicare HMO plan. Similar to private HMO’s, seniors must choose
a Primary Care Physician (PCP) and only visit doctors and specialists
in their particular network. By paying a small co-payment each
time they visit a physician, they are able to save money on premiums
and often get additional benefits.
If Medicare and hearing aids are of concern
to you, you should become a wise consumer. Learn as much as you
can about the Medicare HMO you plan to choose and make sure that
they offer additional benefits such as vision care and hearing
aids. These plans will generally offer services for auditory evaluations
and fittings for the hearing aid. Medicare sometimes pays the
full amount and other times you may be asked to meet a deductible.
It depends on your specific coverage.
About the author:
Hearing Aids Info provides
comprehensive information about digital, programmable, behind-the-ear,
discount, wholesale, and cheap hearing aids, as well as child
hearing aids, Medicare and hearing aids, and reviews of best hearing
aids. Hearing Aids Info is affiliated with Business
Plans by Growthink.
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