by: Ross Bainbridge

While approximately .08% of children born in the U.S. have some
degree of hearing impairment, the vast majority of audio-impaired
people are over age 50. Because the people in this age range often
have limited resources for health coverage, purchasing hearing aids
can be financially difficult.

It is not unusual for older people to procrastinate about going to
hearing evaluations. They usually know if they are losing their
hearing and know that hearing aids are expensive. If they are
uninsured or underinsured, they may have trouble making such a
purchase.

Unfortunately for those without private health insurance, hearing
aids may have to be purchased out-of-pocket. The debate of the issue
of Medicare and hearing aids has been a lengthy and ongoing battle.
With only a few exceptions, Medicare continues to exclude hearing
aid coverage in both of the plans: A & B. Even people who purchase
additional Medigap policies through private insurance companies will
not receive hearing aid coverage.

Luckily, however, over the past few years, Medicare has increased
health coverage options. Some seniors now have the option of a
Medicare HMO plan. Similar to private HMO’s, seniors must choose a
Primary Care Physician (PCP) and only visit doctors and specialists
in their particular network. By paying a small co-payment each time
they visit a physician, they are able to save money on premiums and
often get additional benefits.

If Medicare and hearing aids are of concern to you, you should
become a wise consumer. Learn as much as you can about the Medicare
HMO you plan to choose and make sure that they offer additional
benefits such as vision care and hearing aids. These plans will
generally offer services for auditory evaluations and fittings for
the hearing aid. Medicare sometimes pays the full amount and other
times you may be asked to meet a deductible. It depends on your
specific coverage.

About the author:
Hearing Aids Info provides comprehensive information about digital,
programmable, behind-the-ear, discount, wholesale, and cheap hearing
aids, as well as child hearing aids, Medicare and hearing aids, and
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