Insurance Coverage for a Phonak Hearing Aid

[agomezde]

I was born with a malformation in my inner ear resulting in SSD in my left ear. I have normal hearing in my right ear. I've been deaf in one ear my whole life (18 years). I go to Purdue University, and just found out I can get a Phonak CROS hearing aid. My audiologist said it would cost 2,490. Tuition at Purdue is already extremely expensive, and I can't afford to pay the full cost for the hearing aid. But I would really like to have it because it would help me in classroom settings. Is there a way I could get my insurance to cover it? Or at least most of it?

I have bluecross blueshield

[james e]

You can always ask your insurance company about a hearing aid, but expect to hear them say no. They may approve a BAHA, so ask about that also.

James

[leapyrtwins]

Most insurance companies don't cover conventional hearing aids, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

You might also see if you are eligible for a Cochlear Implant (CI) or a Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA); both are typically covered by insurance.  Which one would work for you depends on the type of malformation you have in your inner ear.  Check out www.cochlearamericas.com for more information.

Good luck!

Jan

[alabamajane]

Not sure about "regular " BC/BS, however, Federal BC/BS will pay $1250 per ear every 3 yrs for regular hearing aids,,not too bad !

Have not checked on what they pay for the Cros or BAHA!,, so won't hurt to ask... In your situation seems like you would qualify for some assistance as you have been SSD since birth,,good luck and let us know what you find out,, we wish you the best,, Jane

[sunfish]

Some states require insurance companies to at least partially cover hearing aids, if they're going to do business in that state. 

[Denise S]

JUST seen a post in Facebook that their BC/BS DID cover their CROS, but I think like above it was for a federal company.  Each companies policies do vary.
And a KEY thing to know for ALL is that companies some take make addendums (changes, usually add on) to their policy ANY time through the year!  So never hurts to check back every few months

[arizonajack]

Is there a way I could get my insurance to cover it? Or at least most of it?

I have bluecross blueshield

Here's how you find out.

You take your policy or plan booklet, put it on the table in front of you, read every word on every page and you should, at some point, come to the part that tells you whether hearing aids are covered or not.

[Jim Scott]

Is there a way I could get my insurance to cover it? Or at least most of it?

I have bluecross blueshield

Do as arizonajack suggested in the previous post and carefully read the policy specifics related to hearing aids.  If that proves fruitless - it shouldn't - call the toll-free number on your policy and ask for Customer Service.  Have your policy number in front of you...and be prepared to be on 'hold' for some time.  Be clear and succinct in your questions and be sure to write down the answers you receive and the name of the person you talked to.  This is intended to negate possible claims made after the fact by the insurance company asserting that the information you received from a telephone Customer Service Representative were inaccurate. Having their name helps.  I speak from experience.  Good luck - and better hearing!

Jim