Are you a senior looking for hearing aid coverage? If so, you may be wondering if AARP Medicare covers hearing aids. AARP Medicare is a health plan offered by UnitedHealthcare that provides coverage for many healthcare needs including hearing aids. In this article, we will discuss what AARP Medicare covers for hearing aids, eligibility requirements, and other benefits available to seniors with hearing loss.
What is AARP Medicare?
AARP Medicare is a health insurance plan offered by UnitedHealthcare and is available to those who are age 65 or older. The plan includes coverage for hospital stays, doctor visits, prescription drugs, and other medical care services. It also provides vision and dental coverage as well as discounts on gym memberships and other activities.
What Types of Hearing Aids Does AARP Cover?
AARP Medicare covers both digital and analog hearing aids. Digital hearing aids are the most advanced type of hearing aid available today and are typically more expensive than analog models. However, they provide superior sound quality, allowing users to hear more clearly in noisy environments. Analog hearing aids are less expensive but provide lower sound quality than digital models.
How Much Does AARP Cover For Hearing Aids?
AARP Medicare covers up to 80% of the cost of a digital or analog hearing aid up to a maximum of $3,500 every three years per ear for those who qualify for coverage. This means that if you purchase a digital or analog hearing aid that costs more than $3,500 every three years, you will be responsible for paying the difference out-of-pocket.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for Coverage?
In order to be eligible for coverage under AARP Medicare, you must be age 65 or older and have been enrolled in the plan for at least six months prior to requesting reimbursement for your hearing aid purchase. Additionally, you must have a physician’s prescription indicating that you need a hearing aid in order to receive coverage.
How to Apply for Reimbursement From AARP Medicare
Once you have purchased your digital or analog hearing aid device and obtained a physician’s prescription indicating that you need it, you can submit your claim form along with your receipt to UnitedHealthcare within 90 days of purchase in order to receive reimbursement from AARP Medicare.
What Other Benefits Does AARP Offer for Seniors With Hearing Loss?
In addition to covering up to 80% of the cost of digital or analog hearing aids up to $3,500 every three years per ear, AARP also offers discounts on tinnitus treatment products such as noise generators and sound therapy devices as well as discounts on assistive listening devices such as amplified phones and TV listening systems.
How Do I Find an Audiologist or Provider That Accepts AARP Medicare Insurance?
If you are looking for an audiologist or provider that accepts AARP Medicare insurance, you can search online using the UnitedHealthcare provider directory or contact your local independent audiologists who may accept payment through your insurance plan directly from UnitedHealthcare.
The Pros and Cons of Purchasing a Hearing Aid Through AARP Medicare
Purchasing a hearing aid through AARP Medicare has both advantages and disadvantages depending on your individual situation:
Pros:
• Coverage of up to 80% of the cost of digital or analog hearing aids up to $3,500 every three years per ear
• Discounts on assistive listening devices such as amplified phones and TV listening systems
• Discounts on tinnitus treatment products such as noise generators and sound therapy devices
Cons:
• Eligibility requirements must be met in order to receive coverage (age 65+ & enrolled in the plan for at least six months)
• You must have a physician’s prescription indicating that you need a hearing aid in order to receive coverage
• Coverage only applies up to $3,500 every three years per ear so if your device costs more than this amount then you will need to pay the difference out-of-pocket
Alternatives To AARP For Hearing Aid Coverage
If you are looking for alternatives to AARP for hearing aid coverage there are several options available including: private health insurance plans that cover digital or analog hearing aids; state Medicaid programs; Veteran’s Administration (VA) benefits; government assistance programs; charitable organizations; non-profit organizations; and employer-sponsored health plans that may offer some coverage for hearing aids depending on the policy terms.
Conclusion
AARPs’ coverage of up to 80% of the cost of digital or analog hearing aids up to $3,500 every three years per ear makes it an attractive option if you meet all eligibility requirements and have a physician’s prescription indicating that you need one in order to receive coverage from them. However, there are alternative options available if you do not meet these criteria such as private health insurance plans, government assistance programs, charitable organizations, non-profit organizations and employer-sponsored health plans which may offer some coverage depending on their policy terms so it is worth exploring all options before making your decision on which route is best suited for your individual needs when it comes to obtaining affordable quality care when it comes to purchasing a new set of digital or analog hearing aids
