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Insurance coverage?

Last post Tue, Jun 03 2008 11:03 AM by kirpalson. 8 replies.

minkey
Posts: 5
- Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Sat, Feb 23 2008 11:07 AM
- Hi everybody,
  
  I'm self-employed and have been hard of hearing since birth. Currently, I've been looking at different insurance plans because I don't like my current one (Tonik-Blue Cross). Can anyone recommend an insurance plan that covers hearing tests, hearing aids, or any kind of hearing benefits? I've been trying to get some simple answers, but apparently, even though 30 million people suffer from hearing loss, we're still living somehow under the radar. Anyone got a good lead?
  
  Thanks,
  
  Minkey
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shellGVchick
Posts: 1,236
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Sat, Feb 23 2008 7:40 PM
- Hello Minkey,
  
  I lost my hearing at 14 years old. I had multiple surgeries to try and save or improve my hearing starting at 4 and the last one was at 10. It was clear the doctors could slow it down for a while but I was going to lose full hearing ability and I did. Growing up my parents insurance helped with hearing aids and stuff. I work and my husband also owns his own company so I know its difficult to find something. At one time I had Cobra, and it stunk, it just covered me until I went into another job. I use Kaiser which I'm not to happy with. I live in a small town so nearest Kaiser is an hour drive away. They are okay, and I mean okay. Some times they try ten things before they get the right one. We made enough money were we can do out of pocket and I'm getting to that point where Kaiser just isn't as bright as I once thought. Also there are private hearing centers, those places you get hearing aids etc, that a lot of times have their own plans and variety of payments. I'm on a variety of medications as well. Some pretty high class narcotics and it depends on your plan. I have prescription coverage but up to a certain amount. Well when you need them on a daily basis, I'm now paying the rest of what isnt' covered.
  
  Maybe just open up your phone book and start looking around. It depends on the business, how many employees etc, and area.
  
  I'm not sure I've been much help.
  
  Good Luck to you
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minkey
Posts: 5
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Mon, Feb 25 2008 7:08 PM
- Hi shellGVchick,
  
  All information's helpful. Now I know that Kaiser is not good either. Two down, ten more to go, I guess.
  
  Thanks,
  
  Minkey
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KaraSwims
Posts: 1,848
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Mon, Feb 25 2008 7:34 PM
- Might be a long shot but I've heard of a few people who have gotten Vocational Rehabilitation to cover their hearing aids even if they've never helped with anything else before. It's pretty easy to make the case that a hearing impairment impacts any career---as long as you can get signed on with them, maybe they could help!
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lizhornbeck
Posts: 5
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Tue, Feb 26 2008 12:48 PM
- You HAVE Medicare part A, part B is out of pocket but you can probably GET Medicaid to pay everything. Talk to your local SSA office.
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minkey
Posts: 5
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Tue, Feb 26 2008 5:19 PM
- Thanks! I will check that out. M.
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KaraSwims
Posts: 1,848
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Tue, Feb 26 2008 8:25 PM
- Good luck Minkey-let us know how it goes!
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helenchapman
Posts: 3
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Mon, Jun 02 2008 11:19 PM
- what is Vocational Rehabilitation? Where is it? government funded? Also, saw that there are some Private hearing aid places that might cover the hearing aids? Does anyone know of one that does? I am going through a new hearing aid set at about the rate of 1 set every 2 to 3 years. And at $1800 to $4500, depending on the quality that is a lot. Someone else said that Medicaid might help. Any information would help. My career, such as it is, is taking a huge beating because of this. We had a meeting this morning. I was sitting right next to the guy who was presenting and only got a half of what he said. Especially when they turned to me and asked what i thought about something he'd said and I hadnt a clue. ?????
- helen chapman droitsch
- Filed under: hearing aids
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kirpalson
Posts: 32
- Re: Insurance coverage?
- Posted: Tue, Jun 03 2008 11:03 AM
- Vocational Rehabilitation, DVR assists people with disabilities to gain, maintain, and advance in employment. You can find and contact your local office by using the following phone number: 1-800-637-5627. They may indeed help you.
  
  Insurance is a problem. Most policies will NOT pay for hearing aid products. AARP may provide information on what insurance might be best for you, given all of your prescription needs and also the medical products (hearing aids etc.) that you need. They can be reached at: 1-888-687-8277. In MY experience, you do not need to be a member to get this information, nor do you need to be over 50 (although this policy may have changed).
  
  Also, with the recent advance in technology, hearing aid products have become much less costly. New, digital hearing products can cost as low as $150. Also, it is possible to purchase used, refurbished hearing products that can be tested and fitted for your needs.
  
  To locate a good hearing national hearing clinic network, call 432-7669. They have a variety of brands, audiologist testing, and payment plans. Another clinic network that was profiled on CNBC Healthy Solutions can be reached at 1-800-468-9298, and has local outlets.
  
  I researched this information when my wife began experiencing hearing loss, and our insurance would not pay for what was then a $2000 aid. Since then, we have found that costs have come down, and have been able to better serve her needs. I hope some of this helps. kirpalson
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