How Much Does A Hearing Aid Cost Out
Without insurance coverage, hearing aids can cost up to several thousand dollars. The high costs are one of the reasons many insurance companies don’t cover them.
However, a few options are available to help you pay for hearing aids or reduce associated costs if your Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance doesn’t cover them. These include:
- Shopping around for deals
- Comparing bundled and unbundled hearing aid packages
- Check online for deals
- Consider purchasing supplemental insurance coverage
- Choose a basic, more affordable model
- See if any organizations you’re a member of offer discounts
- See if military, first responder, and other discounts are available
Our Insurance Experts Can Help
Hearing aids provide a unique opportunity to continue living the independent and rewarding lifestyle you choose without skipping a beat.
Because we want our patients to experience the incredible benefits hearing aids provide, Holland Hearing Center goes the extra mile to help you get the financial help you need for your hearing aid investment.
Our insurance experts know precisely how to navigate and communicate with insurance companies, such as BlueCross BlueShield to determine the level of benefits included in your coverage.
Submit our insurance coverage form to put them to work for you, or call us at to find out more.
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Does Bluecross Blueshield Insurance Cover Hearing Aids
12/01/2020 | Insurance, Patient Resources
Although some might consider good hearing a luxury, it is really a necessity.
Besides allowing us to communicate with loved ones, friends, and business associates, hearing is an essential element in maintaining better overall health and a higher quality of living.
Tragically, hearing care is often pushed down the list of health priorities until the first symptoms of hearing loss show up.
Studies by experts at Johns Hopkins University indicate that most people wait at least ten years before seeking help from an audiologist while their condition worsens.
Although hearing aids can prevent additional damage, among the reasons my Big Country patients wait so long to take advantage of their benefits are the out-of-pocket costs and concerns that their insurance wont cover the treatment.
This bit of information should provide a clearer picture of the coverage for hearing aids and hearing care you can expect from your BlueCross BlueShield Insurance plan.
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Hearing Aids Purchase Process
Assessment
Before you can request hearing aids, you must have a complete hearing assessment. This assessment may be done by an AADL vendor or by an audiologist working for Alberta Health Services. Once a diagnosis is made and any possibility of medical intervention ruled out, you may proceed to discuss your hearing aid options.
Counselling
The hearing professional will use the information from the assessment to make recommendations regarding your hearing aids.
Fitting
When the hearing aids are ready, an appointment is made to fit the devices. The devices are checked for proper fit and comfort, and the aids are programmed to meet your specific hearing needs.
You will also receive instruction on the proper care, use and maintenance of your hearing aids. At the fitting, the vendor will ask you to pay your cost-share portion and any upgrade costs, if applicable.
- Read more about AADL cost sharing
Trial period
You will be given a minimum 28-day trial period with the hearing aids. Should you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with your vendor.
Validation Certificate
After your trial period, you will sign an AADL validation certificate if you are satisfied with your hearing aids. If you are not satisfied, do not sign the Validation Certificate. You may continue your trial with further adjustments, or you may return the hearing aids.
AADL billing by the vendor
What Is Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield Association isnt actually one insurance company, but rather afederation of 36 separate UShealth insurance companies. All together, these companies provide health insurance to over 106 million Americans. The conglomerate was formed in 1982, with the merger of the Blue Cross Association and the Blue Shield Association.
You may hear the BCBSA affiliated health insurance companies referred to in the healthcare industry as The Association. Affiliated plans span through every state in the U.S. plus District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. They even offer some plans to customers in a few foreign countries. BCBSA also covers US federal government employees under their nationwide health insurance program.
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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.
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When Do Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans Pay For Hearing Aids
Most standard Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and HMO plans don’t cover hearing aid costs, but many BCBS Medicare Advantage plans have the option of adding supplemental coverage that could help cover hearing aids and other necessary medical devices. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover testing or visits to an audiologist but don’t cover the hearing aids themselves.
Digital hearing aids use advanced technology to help solve hearing deficits. These devices must be made to fit the person wearing them comfortably and solve their specific hearing problems. Since this technology is so advanced, hearing aids tend to be expensive, so Blue Cross Blue Shield don’t always provide coverage for them.
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I Am About To Release From Military Service How Do I Ensure My Health Services Will Continue After My Release Date
If you are receiving health benefits from the Canadian Armed Forces and you currently have a VAC disability benefit, you can request a review of your CAF health services to determine which benefits can be covered by VAC after your release. This review will also save you any unnecessary paperwork to continue your benefits. Learn more.
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Help With Amplified Telephones
Many states have telecommunication distribution programs for people with hearing loss who require special equipment to use the telephone. These programs loan or provide Text Telephones , amplified telephones and other equipment free of charge to residents with hearing loss or other disabilities that require it. A listing of programs by state can be found at www.tedpa.org using the State Directory link. Contact your state program for more information about what equipment is provided, who is eligible for it and how to obtain it.
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Charitable And Other Assistance Programs
Do you need help for hearing aids, or other hearing care assistance? There are many charitable groups that will provide new or used hearing aids at a discount, or even free, if you meet the financial criteria. We have provided a list of national programs below, but this is not an exhaustive list of organizations.
Consider Financing And Other Sources
If you have limited insurance options, look for other sources of financial help. Beltone, for example, offers reasonable financing options at most locations for hearing aids. Besides financing, other insurance alternatives include:
- Workers’ compensation if your hearing loss is from your job
- Social security benefits
- The AUDIENT program for qualifying low-income individuals call 956-5400 x2 for details
- Easter Seals
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Hearing Aid Coverage Varies By State
The first step to finding out what your BCBSA plan includes in terms of hearing aid coverage is to visit their website and search for hearing aid information. There may be a specific online pamphlet or booklet which details all aspects of the plan.
For example, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota partners with TruHearing, which provides free hearing exams and hearing aids at reduced rates that are scaled toward different BCBSA membership levels. Complete and Strive Complete members pay $799 for a $3,125 hearing aid, while their Core members pay $999 for the same device.
Another example are the Blue Essential, BlueCare Plus, and Blue Advantage Plans which cover people in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Hearing Aids And Insurance: What You Should Know
Hearing loss affects about 50 million Americans. For many, you can use hearing aids to help your hearing issues. If you use hearing aids, you may wonder if insurance covers them. You may also wonder if there are other ways to help save money. Below, we discuss what you should know about hearing aids and insurance.
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Blue Cross Blue Shields Truhearing Partnership
As you can see, coverage options can vary greatly between plans and levels. With 6,400 provider locations throughout the US, TruHearing is the most frequent hearing aid coverage option that BCBSA partners with. Generally there are two options: TruHearing Select and TruHearing Choice. With the Select plan members pay a low copay for hearing aids. With the Choice plan members take advantage of fixed nationwide pricing on a variety of hearing aid options.
Its important to keep in mind that BCBSA plans that participate with TruHearing only offer coverage on products available through TruHearing. Other hearing products and hearing aid brands are not an option.
If youre a Blue Cross Blue Shield member its important to make sure you have all the facts, as explanations of benefits can sometimes be confusing and not all information is available online. When in doubt, contact by phone your insurance provider and ask specifically for information regarding hearing tests, hearing aid coverage and follow-up visits.
And finally, if youre a Medicare recipient, remember that youll need supplemental insurance that covers hearing aids as Medicare does not cover the cost.
Hopefully weve answered your question as to whether does blue cross blue shield cover hearing aids! For more information on hearing aid prices, financial support, and other information, check out other articles on our blog and get informed today!
Medicare And Medicaid Coverage Of Hearing Aids
Medicare does not usually cover hearing aids. You may have some options depending on the type of hearing loss and if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan. Read more about Medicare and hearing aids.
Medicaid coverage for adult hearing aids varies by state and eligibility is subject to change. This page from the Hearing Loss Association of America lets you look up Medicaid coverage for hearing care by state. You can also contact your states Medicaid program or visit Medicaids national website for more information. In every U.S. state, childrens hearing aids are covered by Medicaid.
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Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Pay For Hearing Care And Hearing Aids
The hearing test is considered diagnostic, and BCBS typically covers part or all of the hearing test.
Many BCBS insurances offer hearing aid coverage. This varies from plan to plan. For example, BC Federal has a very generous benefit, but some Carefirst BC plans dont cover anyone over the age of 17.
Your specific BC insurance needs to be checked. Please and we will be happy to review your insurance.
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Fees Warranties And Batteries
The fees charged by audioprothetists and recognized aid facilities are covered by the program when you purchase or replace a hearing aid or when you have it repaired. You have nothing to pay for these services when you are registered for the program. Nevertheless, you are responsible for the maintenance costs of your hearing aid, for instance, to have it cleaned and checked.
The warranty is valid for at least 1 year for a hearing aid. Audioprosthetists and recognized aid facilities can provide you with further information in this regard.
Batteries are covered when you purchase or replace a hearing aid. However, thereafter, you are responsible for the cost of replacement batteries.
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About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 34 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Indexsm. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on , check out our videos on and follow us on .
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.
Still Unsure The Insurance Experts At Inland Hearing Can Help
Hearing aids provide a unique opportunity to continue living an independent and rewarding lifestyle without skipping a beat.
We want our patients to experience the incredible benefits hearing aids provide, so Inland Hearing goes the extra mile to help you get the financial help you need for your hearing aid investment.
Our insurance experts know exactly how to navigate and communicate with insurance companies, such as BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program, to determine the level of benefits included in your coverage.
Submit our insurance coverage form to learn more about your benefits, or call us at your local office by
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Medicare Plans From Bcbs
The National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Although all of the individuals within these age ranges are Medicare eligible, Medicare does not provide coverage for hearing aids. Fortunately, insurance companies, such as BCBS, have developed insurance plans, policies, and supplements to accommodate this lack of coverage.
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Insurance Plans We Accept:
- and many more. We will inquire as to your benefits during your appointment.
When researching insurance benefits, these are a few terms you will see frequently.
A deductible is an amount your insurance company requires you to pay before they will step in and help. Even after the deductible is paid in full, your insurance company has a set percentage that they will pay for you and then you are responsible to pay the remaining amount.
That remaining amount you are responsible for is known as coinsurance. For example, if your insurance company pays 70% after your deductible is met, then your coinsurance is the remaining 30%.
Another term you will hear often is copay or copayment. The copay is a set amount that you are required to pay for specific services such as a visit with your physician or a prescription.
Curious About Insurance Coverage for Your Hearing Aids?
Watch This Informative Video!
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Blue Cross Medicare Supplement Or Legacy Medigap
Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans do not include routine hearing exams, hearing aid fittings or hearing aids. You may choose to pair a new or existing Blue Cross Medicare Supplement or Legacy Medigap plan with the Dental Vision Hearing Package that includes coverage for an exam and hearing aids. It also includes dental and vision benefits.
Learn more about how to get coverage for your Blue Cross Medicare Supplement or Legacy Medigap plan.
This is a solicitation of insurance. We may contact you about buying insurance. Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans arent connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Anthem Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage
While Original Medicare doesnt cover hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing care and hearing aids.
Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans cover everything found in Original Medicare, and some plans may also offer extra benefits such as hearing, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage.
Compare plans
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How Do Anthem Medicare Advantage Plans Pay For Hearing Aids
Hearing coverage may vary from one Anthem Medicare Advantage plan to another, and some plans may not cover hearing aids. Plans that cover hearing aids may provide some coverage for routine hearing exams, hearing aid fittings and an annual allowance for the cost of hearing aids.
All Anthem Medicare Advantage plans also include the hearing care benefits provided by Original Medicare, which include hearing and balance exams when ordered by a doctor.
You Cant Rely On Your Medicare Plan
As many as one in three individuals between the ages of 65 and 74 have some degree of hearing loss, which increases to one in two for those over the age of 75, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders .
That means that the majority of people with a hearing loss are Medicare eligible, but Medicare programs do not cover hearing aids or hearing care.
Fortunately, many insurance companies provide Medicare supplement plans to help cover costs that Medicare does not.
BlueCross BlueShield provides four options with varying levels of provided coverage for hearing aids and hearing care, depending on the variations you choose.
Blue Elite
Blue Elite has fewer limitations than you will find in PPO and HMO plans, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist, including your audiologist, without a referral.
Although Blue Elite fills in many of Medicares coverage gaps, you must know that hearing aids and hearing care are not part of standard coverage.
Benefits may only be available if you have chosen to add specific options or riders to your plan.
BlueEssential or BlueCare Plus
The best part of these two plans is that they both provide you with the freedom to choose a broader range of doctors and specialists.
However, choosing a provider who is not on their list of approved HMO providers may limit or restrict the benefits you receive.
BlueAdvantage
In contrast to the other two options, BlueAdvantage is a preferred provider organization plan.
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