We’re just a couple of months into the new year, so you may not have had the chance to use or check out your insurance benefits, especially as they relate to hearing aids.

But if you’re still trying to figure your benefits out, Associated Audiologists has created a special guide to help called “Your Guide to Insurance and Hearing Aids.”

The useful information included in this guide can help you better understand the complexities of your insurance plan, especially when it comes to hearing aids in Independence, MO, Overland Park, KS and the Kansas City metro are..  Some highlights include:

Key Terms–The insurance industry uses a number of terms interchangeably, so when reviewing your benefits or shopping for a new plan, be sure to familiarize yourself with these terms, and ask for specifics. You CANNOT assume you have coverage. Even if you have verified the benefits with your plan, be sure to verify the benefits with your audiologist and that they participate with your plan. This guide includes these terms.

Medicare Advantage Plans–Recently, especially in the Kansas City area market, we have seen an increase in the number of patients who are enrolling in Medicare Advantage (Medicare replacement) plans. Unfortunately, many individuals do not understand how their plans work, especially as it relates to hearing aids. This guide includes information to help you better understand your plan and benefits.

Traditional Insurance–Insurance coverage for examinations and hearing aids varies from one insurance provider to the next, even from plan to plan under the same insurance company. If your insurance helps cover hearing aids, you need to meet your deductible before coverage kicks in. Then, the coverage is often a percentage of the total expense.

Some insurance companies also promote “discount options,” which may be purchased through a third party. Be sure you understand exactly what your plan offers. Often, these “benefits” or “discount options” limit you to the purchase of a specific device from a specific provider or manufacturer. They may offer a lower cost for the device only, which doesn’t include service; provides only low-end devices that may not work well for your specific hearing needs; or offer limited flexibility for the patient. In some cases, you can purchase devices of your choice with included service for the same or less than these “discounted options.” This guide provides more information.

Other Payment Options—There are lots of payment options for hearing aids in addition to insurance. This guide summarizes these, including private pay, flexible spending and health savings accounts, financing options, and even information on deducting hearing aids as a qualified medical expense.

This resource also offers examples of patients and different types of coverage, and what their plans cover.

The Associated Audiologists staff has the expertise to check and verify your insurance coverage, as well as provide detailed estimates of hearing aid recommendations and costs. We also can provide you with the receipts necessary for reimbursement from your FSA plan and accept HSA plan payments.

Download your free copy of the Guide to Insurance and Hearing Aids, or schedule an appointment with a doctoral-level audiologist.