Medicaid does not cover hearing aids in 22 states. Coverage varies greatly in the remaining 28 states based on the degree of hearing loss and types of benefits available. Such inconsistencies exist as the federal government does not require Medicaid to cover hearing aids for adults, allowing individual states to set its own guidelines.
“Medicaid hearing aid coverage for older adult beneficiaries: A state-by-state comparison” published in the August issue of Health Affairs is reportedly the first comprehensive review of state-level Medicaid coverage, the University of South Florida announced. Lead author Michelle Arnold, AuD, CCC-A, of the University of South Florida Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in Tampa, used six criteria to rank Medicaid’s coverage policies in older adult beneficiaries.
– Eligibility of assessment and treatment
– Two hearing aids
– Batteries
– Supplies
– Follow-up and rehabilitation
– Repairs or replacement
Medicaid in 12 of the 28 states (CA, IL, IN, MN, MO, NH, NV, NY, OH, SD, TX, and VT) covers hearing aids if the patient is considered to have “mild” or greater hearing loss, such as difficulty understanding soft speech when there’s a lot of background noise, like in a restaurant. “Moderate” or greater hearing loss is required in six states (FL, MT, NJ, ND, OR, and WY), which can be problematic in most conversational settings. Six other states (HI, IA, MA, NE, RI, and WI) rely on opinions from audiologists and physicians, as there reportedly aren’t any standards. There’s nothing in the guidelines that suggest criteria for hearing loss severity in four states (AK, CT, KS, and NM), according to the study.
“Lack of hearing aid uptake is a public health concern,” said Arnold. “Untreated age-related hearing loss, with its concomitant reductions in speech understanding, is associated with increased risks of social isolation, falls, hospitalizations, and cognitive decline and with a disease burden of up to four disability-adjusted life years.”
Arnold concludes that hearing aids and related services should be a federally-mandated benefit for adult Medicaid beneficiaries in all 50 states, helping prevent additional costs and reduce the effects of adverse health conditions.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the USF School of Aging Studies.
Original Paper: Arnold ML, Hyer K, Chisolm T. Medicaid hearing aid coverage for older adult beneficiaries: A state-by-state comparison. Health Affairs. August 2017; 36(8): 1476–1484. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2016.1610
Source: Health Affairs, University of South Florida
Image: © ibreakstock | Dreamstime
Illinois seniors may soon be better able to cover the cost of hearing aids, due to a new law the measure, House Bill 3503, requires insurance companies to offer optional coverage for hearing instruments and any related services for all individuals when they are prescribed by a hearing care professional. It was signed into law on Friday.
Does anyone know the modifier that must be used when billing V5266 for hearing aid battery for Medicaid plans?
I’m a chef in a Las Vegas casino. The constant barrage of different noise has taken its toll on my hearing. I was hoping Medicaid would cover all or part of the costs of hearing aids . I need to be able to have full capabilities to hear conversations with clients customers and vendors and most importantly the orders and responses in my kitchen
Curious why you’re on medicaid if you’re employed? Are you full time employed? The taxpayers shouldn’t be subsidizing your care if you have a job, imo. Things are tough all over.
Perhaps her employer doesn’t feel compelled to pay a living wage? Ask yourself why she is eligible, not why she has taken the help!
I’m 36 and have hearing loss in my left ear only. I get Medicare in nc do they pay for hearing aids in my state.
Does Medicade cover hearing aids in North Carolina
My mother in law is needing a new hearing aid, she’s 82 years old & on MediCaid. Shes been told there’s no coverage or reimbursement on hearings aids & a new one will cost her $2,500, is this true?
I’m almost completely deaf from Ménière’s I’m 80 and my husband is blind and has Parkinson’s I need hearing help to b able to help us with our daily activities. Please if you know of anything we could try or any help let me know.
Thank You
Marie
Marie, go to gofundme.com and complete the process and hopefully you’ll get enough to help you get those needed hearing aids. God works miracles.
I have severe hearing loss.I have hearing aids but need something stronger.Will Medicaid pay for something better in Ohio?
I have hearing loss in both ears an getting worse I live in west Virginia how do I get hearing aides I’m on Medicaid
Hello I’m deaf & hearing impaired & I just lost my hearing aid when I left in the beach & I did went back to the beach & I couldn’t find it lot of sand so does my Medicaid cover my hearing aid to replacement? Thank you
I live in MI and had Sudden Neurological Hearing Loss. Medicaid here did pay for all of my tests and for 2 hearing aids.
I live in Washington state where if you are over 21 you can’t get hearing aids. I am 32 years old, working my fingers to the bone to support my daughter and myself. I was just told today that because I’m an adult, my hearing test is covered to let me know I have severe hearing loss, but Apple health will not cover my hearing aids. To me that is like going to the hospital, and being tall oh you need your arm amputated, but we’re not gonna do anything about it because you are an adult. I am now in danger of losing my job, which requires hearing as a majority of my work. I feel that the adult coverage lacks greatly. Same with eye care; they will cover the exam, but not even a portion the glasses. Hey guess what, you’re blind! Good luck with that. Sadly I’m in both boats can’t eat and can’t see. I don’t want to be dependent on the system, I want to be able to work! But thanks to lack of coverage, I’m going to be completely dependent on the system because I can’t see or hear. What is wrong with this picture?