Have you been confused trying to figure out if your Regence insurance plan covers you for hearing aids?
If so, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll talk you through what your Regence insurance plan includes when it comes to hearing healthcare and what your options are going forward.
By Default, Hearing Aids Are Not Covered By Insurance
In most states, standard insurance plans don’t typically cover the cost of hearing aids, which comes down to the fact that insurance companies generally view hearing aids as elective and not mandatory.
This truly baffles hearing care professionals, as we know just how debilitating life can be when living with a hearing loss. Since hearing aids are medical devices that can change the lives of millions of people, you’d be right in thinking it’s pretty unfair that something so vital to the quality of one’s life would not be included in insurance plans by default.
However, 23 states require hearing aids to be covered in insurance plans (not Washington), although most of them only cover children. Some states have an odd rule that insists insurance companies include the cost of a hearing test, but this coverage does not extend to hearing aids.
Does Medicare Cover The Cost Of Hearing Aids?
Around a third of individuals in the US between ages 65 and 74 have some level of hearing loss. What’s more, half of those over the age of 75 have a hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
These age ranges indicate that most people who could benefit from hearing aids are also eligible for Medicare coverage.
The bad news is that Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing care, leaving many dependent on the program without the means to invest in hearing aids.
Fortunately, many insurance companies provide Medicare supplement plans to help cover costs that Medicare does not.
Regence is one of these companies.
What Does Regence Offer In Terms Of Hearing Care Coverage?
Regence Medicare Advantage has one plan that includes hearing benefits and four plans that only offer a supplemental hearing benefit if you pay the additional monthly amount to add it.
*You must see a TruHearing provider for your routine hearing exam to be eligible for in-network coverage. Hearing aids are covered only if obtained from TruHearing.
The cost of routine hearing services does not count toward the out-of-pocket or cost-sharing maximum.
Regence HMO plans
Regence Blue Advantage HMO + hearing, vision, and dental
Regence Blue Advantage HMO Plus + hearing, vision, and dental
Both plans cover:
- Routine hearing exam up to $45
- Hearing aids up to $699 per aid with TruHearing Advanced
- Hearing aids up to $999 per aid with TruHearing Premium
Regence PPO Plans
Regence MedAdvantage + Rx Primary (PPO) + hearing, vision, and dental
Regence MedAdvantage + Rx Classic (PPO) + hearing, vision, and dental
Regence MedAdvantage + Rx Enhanced (PPO)
Both the Primary and Classic plans cover:
- Routine hearing exam up to $45
- Hearing aids up to $699 per aid with TruHearing Advanced aids
- Hearing aids up to $999 per aid with TruHearing Premium aids
The Enhanced plan includes:
- Routine hearing exam up to $45
- Hearing aids up to $599 per aid with TruHearing Advanced aids
- Hearing aids up to $899 per aid with TruHearing Premium aids
See your Regence benefits here.
All members with Regence Medicare Advantage supplemental insurance get access to TruHearing’s discount program for hearing aids.
- Up to 60% off the purchase of two hearing aids annually (one per ear) from TruHearing, a $980 discount, on average
- Nine manufacturers and multiple levels of technology to choose from
- Three follow-up visits for fitting and adjusting hearing aids
- A 60-day trial period
- A three-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers repairs, one-time loss, and damage replacement
- 1 year of unlimited, routine follow-up servicing at no charge with original provider
- 2-year supply of batteries with purchase (up to 128 cells per ear) through Hearing Care Solutions
- 12-month interest free financing available to qualified applicants
Still Unsure? Inland Hearing Can Help
Hearing aids provide a unique opportunity to continue living an independent and rewarding lifestyle without skipping a beat.
We want our patients to experience the incredible benefits hearing aids provide, so Inland Hearing goes the extra mile to help you get the financial help you need for your hearing aid investment.
Our insurance experts know exactly how to navigate and communicate with insurance companies, such as Regence, to determine the level of benefits included in your coverage.
Submit our insurance coverage form to learn more about your benefits, or call us at your local office by clicking here.
