Kids' hearing aids aren't 'cosmetic.' Insurance should cover them. (2024)
In Texas, private insurance companies are not required to cover children's hearing aids. They're considered cosmetic devices — even though doctors agree that early intervention for young children with hearing loss is critical. Without hearing aids, it's difficult for the child to learn to listen and speak. And a child who misses the critical period for learning language will require expensive, difficult interventions later.
House Bill 2979 would require insurance companies to cover children's hearing aids. On April 29, Houston father Michael Wachs delivered this testimony before the House Insurance Committee.
What you can do
Sign a petition to support HB2979, which would require insurance companies to cover children's hearing aids.
GOOD AFTERNOON. My name is Michael Wachs, and I've come here from Houston to voice my support for HB 2979....
I also come on behalf of our daughter Iris. Iris was born fifteen months ago. In Texas, as in most states, there are newborn hearing tests in the hospital, which she did not pass. We were told it's not unusual for babies delivered via C-section to have fluid in their ears and affect the test. We were told to go to the ENT two weeks later for another, more in-depth test. Two weeks came and the verdict was final: Iris had permanent hearing loss in both ears.
I don't know if any of you have kids, but the first few weeks of being a first-time parent is a period that's filled with many diapers and little sleep. You have no idea what you're doing or how anything is supposed to be. You are — quite literally — insane.
As my wife and I sat in the doctor's office receiving the diagnosis and having our lives altered once again, the thing that was drilled into us of the utmost importance was early intervention — that is, for Iris to get into hearing aids as soon as possible.
A thick packet with a glossy cover of very major concerns was gently dropped into our laps. Without hearing aids— we were told— Iris would suffer in school: Following along without being able to hear would, obviously, be quite difficult. Without hearing aids — we were told — children have higher instances of depression and suicide because they feel isolated from the world. Also, the hearing aids — we were told — are not covered by insurance and will be about $6,000, plus routine maintenance like new ear molds.
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Finding out that your daughter is in danger of falling behind in school and feeling isolation before she's three weeks old while you're temporarily crazy is a surreal thing to hear. It's like meeting with a very depressing fortune teller, and then being asked to pay a $6,000 bill.
The most amazing thing about having a child with hearing loss while living in Houston is being able to be a client of the Center for Hearing and Speech. Because of a grant they have, we were able to borrow a pair of hearing aids for Iris up until she turns 18 months. She received her first pair at six weeks old.
Two weeks ago, we went into our speech therapy appointment and were told that Iris is at a speech level of an 18–24 month old — not only on track, but ahead of schedule because of speech therapy, my wife's constant reinforcement, and — most critically — her hearing aids.
Because of a fortuitous grant we thankfully had access to, we we were able to temporarily not worry about coming up with money or delay one second getting Iris into hearing aids. Because of that early intervention, she is flourishing and talking up a storm.
I have seen the proof firsthand of how much technology and education can nullify hearing loss and allow kids to be kids, to live regular lives — full of potential and unhindered by any sort of constraint.
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I will admit that is a little confusing — paradoxical? byzantine? — to argue the necessity of hearing at a...hearing; at the Capitol, where laws are publicly heard, discussed, and debated. By virtue of the fact of how our whole political system is setup, it practically screams, "Hearing is very important!"
But maybe you feel the government needs reforming. Okay.
I'd like to ask if hearing your favorite song, a breeze; or the voice of your father, mother, husband, wife, son, or daughter is necessary or just a nice luxury?
You have no idea what you're doing or how anything is supposed to be. Bookmark Gray Matters.
We also know that the use of amplification can help people become more engaged, active, and involved with friends and loved ones. However, to most insurance companies, hearing aids are considered an “elective” procedure, much like liposuction or plastic surgery.
Some insurance companies may help cover the cost of hearing aids, while others (including Medicare) offer no assistance whatsoever. Policies are often region-specific, so the only real way to know whether you have coverage is to check your plan coverage details or call your insurance company and ask for details.
The combination of a great hearing aid along with proper fitting, programming, training, and follow-up care are what make a hearing aid perform well. In-fact, the majority of the cost of a hearing aid is due to the fact that you need a professional to ensure you are maximizing the benefit of your hearing aids.
Does insurance cover hearing aids? Insurance usually does not cover the cost of hearing aids—but coverage varies. Some private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids, while others offer it as a separate benefit, similar to vision or dental coverage.
Certain health plans, including Medicaid, fully cover the expenses for eligible people with documented hearing loss. This means you can access hearing aids for free through these plans if you qualify. Some charities take donated hearing aids, refurbish them, and give these reused devices to low-income people for free.
1. Jabra Enhance: Our top pick. Jabra Enhance makes the best all-around OTC hearing aids on the market due to their impressive sound quality, Bluetooth streaming in every device, and stellar customer service. Jabra Enhance hearing aids also stand out for their lengthy battery life and user-friendly design.
Cheap hearing aids might malfunction at any time and are thought to have a short lifetime. These low-cost devices also miss the innovative and technologically advanced features seen in high-quality hearing aids.
The quick answer is yes. Many medical expenses are considered eligible deductions under federal guidelines, and because hearing loss classifies as a medical condition, you might be able to deduct costs associated with treating it, including hearing aids.
While not wearing a hearing aid may not directly worsen hearing loss, it might lead to auditory deprivation and associated challenges in communication and cognitive function. Wearing hearing aids can enhance the quality of life and help maintain crucial brain functions related to hearing.
Contrary to what you may believe, hearing aids will not make your hearing worse. In fact, the opposite is true; your health can worsen without the use of hearing aids. Research has shown there are health-related links to hearing loss.
Check and ensure your Bluetooth connection is on and your hearing aids are connected. Change the Call Audio Routing from your phone to your hearing aids.
Costco is one of the single largest purchasers of hearing aids in the entire industry. Because they purchase such a huge quantity of hearing aids from manufacturers, they are able to drive the prices down significantly, and then pass those savings along to their members.
Depending on the technology used in the hearing aids, be prepared to shell out $4,000 to $8,000 for a pair. That fee can sound like a lot, but when you consider what factors into the price tag, it might not seem like such a bad deal.
The average price for a pair of adult hearing aids is about $2,000-$4,000. It can range from $1,000 on up to more than $4,000 for each device, depending on the level of technology.
It depends on your individual insurance plan. Some plans do cover hearing aids, but unfortunately, most do not. That said, there are also a few government-sponsored programs, such as Medicaid, that will help pay for hearing aids and other options for those with constrained budgets.
As of February 2024, their prescription hearing aid models range from approximately $1,499 to $1,599 a pair. However, these prices are “starting at” and vary by state according to the Costco website.
Under most circ*mstances, using a hearing aid usually means that your hearing loss is severe enough that you need an assistive tool to help you hear correctly and remain independent. As such, it usually means that your hearing loss is classed as a disability.
Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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