Does Kaiser Permanente Cover Hearing Aids?
- Some Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing aids, along with routine hearing care services. Kaiser plans that cover hearing aids may not be available where you live, however, so it's important to learn more about the plans offered by Kaiser Permanente and the types of hearing benefits that may be available in some areas.
Yes - some Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans can offer coverage for hearing aids, but plans with this type of benefit may not be available in all areas.
Some Kaiser Medicare Advantage plans don't include hearing coverage. However, plan members may be able to add the Kaiser Advantage Plus program to their Kaiser Medicare plan for an extra monthly fee. These optional benefits can include additional coverage for hearing, eyewear and dental, which may include hearing aid coverage in some instances.
What Hearing Aid Coverage Does Kaiser Permanente Offer?
Specific hearing aid coverage can vary between plans. Kaiser Permanente plans with hearing coverage aren't available in all states. To find out what plans are available where you live and to learn more about the benefits they offer, you can use a tool like the Medicare plan finder.
Some Kaiser Permanente may include hearing benefits such as:
- Audiologic evaluation
Some plans offer free or discounted hearing exams. - Hearing aids
If your plan has hearing aid coverage, it might includes the hearing aid device and standard accessories. Depending on the brand and price, you may be responsible for a copay. - Evaluation period
Your plan may allow you to try out a hearing aid for a few weeks before you commit. - Follow-up care
These appointments usually involve adjustments to hearing aids or reevaluation of your hearing needs.
As with most insurance plans, hearing aid coverage is usually limited to a specific dollar amount, or you may also be covered for one pair of hearing aids for a set period of time. Coverage amounts vary widely.
How To Use Kaiser Permanente Hearing Aid Coverage
If your Kaiser Permanente plan covers hearing aids, you'll need to start with a hearing test. The company may require you to visit a Kaiser Permanente Hearing Center or an affiliated provider for the test.
After your initial hearing evaluation, you can expect a variation of the following process:
- Getting medical clearance from your primary physician.
Typically, your doctor will verify that there are no other medical options to improve your hearing. - Meeting with an audiologist.
During this appointment, the audiologist will determine which hearing aid style meets your needs. - Fitting appointment
After your hearing aids arrive, you'll meet with the audiologist again for fitting, programming and adjusting. - Follow-up care
This appointment happens a few weeks after you start wearing the hearing aids. It's an opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns and request any additional adjustments to improve your experience.
Does Kaiser Permanente Pay for Hearing Aids in My Area?
Kaiser Permanente plans are only available in the District of Columbia and eight states: California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia and Washington. The company's hearing care benefits aren't the same in every city and state.
What Kinds of Hearing Aids Does Kaiser Permanente Cover?
Covered brands and models depend on your Kaiser Permanente plan. Styles may include:
- In-ear
- In the ear canal
- Behind the ear
- On the body
- On the temple of your eyeglasses
In terms of brands and features, you may be limited by the terms of your plan. Check your plan benefits statement for details.
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