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Can we get Medicare to cover the cost of hearing aids & services?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Aug 26, 2021 | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
Lots of good comments in this thread, and it all comes down to cost, right? No question that dental, vision and hearing are left out of many plans. Some insurance plans cover the partial cost of hearing aids, actually even that coverage is relatively new. We have been advocating for insurance coverage and Medicare coverage for a long time. So, let's look at another questions. Why do you think hearing aids have not been covered and are not covered by insurance in most instances?
Replies to "Lots of good comments in this thread, and it all comes down to cost, right? No..."
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Julie : Yes, it's always cost.
When the Medicare law became effective in 1966 hearing aid costs were not significant and not included in the law. Each time there has been a push to include a new coverage, whether it be hearing aids, dental, vision, Huntington's disease, etc. the cost has persuaded Congress not to expand coverage in most cases. The biggest exception was Part D coverage which became effective in 1996 and has, unfortunately, ballooned in cost so much that drug price reduction is part of the Biden budget plan for the coming year. And new coverage for hearing aids, dental and vision are also included in that plan. All subject to debate in Congress.
With respect to insurance plans covering hearing aids there has been a trend in recent years, as described in this thread, for coverage by Medicare Advantage plans, other types of insurance plans, and the VA. Usually not 100% coverage but significant savings off list prices.
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