50+ Lifestyles

Health Insurance and Hearing Aids

By Dr. Molly Parker, Audiologist and Owner
Parker Audiolology, P.C.

What are you doing to keep your Healthcare costs down in 2018? Is your insurance company offering a discount program?  Look carefully and check the service component. Who do you get to see locally if you have problems?

We are seeing discount packages being sold to insurance members which include dental, eyeglass and hearing aid
benefits. Often they are $10-25/month ($120-300/year). Some care is needed to determine the value of these packages for your personal needs. While I cannot personally speak to the value of dental or vision benefits, the value of the hearing benefit of these packages is something to carefully consider as you navigate this healthcare upgrade package.

When purchasing hearing aids, there are three things to consider.  1)  What is the technology?  2)  What is the service component? (Who is helping you?) and 3) Are you getting a fair deal with this plan or would private purchase make more sense?

Nearly all insurance packages provide some type of discount for the actual hearing aids. While you may be saving money on the initial purchase, what kind of device can you expect? Mail-order hearing devices are  common, and the professional component is completely bypassed. Often these types of devices are selected based on a leaflet or a telemarketer on the phone. Many of these situations may not be appropriate for their hearing loss or their physical attributes. Also, many devices cannot be modified for the patient to be useful. There is only a 30 day trial to adjust to the devices. What if it is necessary to return the device?

Some packages dictate exactly what device you can get and the type of service you receive. That professional/service component can mean the difference between success and failure. Hearing aids are the treatment for hearing loss, but are most successful when guided by correct adjustments, realistic expectations, and knowledge for the basics (How do I use, adjust, and maintain my new devices?).   Nearly all discount plans have minimal or no service component included in their package.  You saved a little bit of money at the beginning, but now need to pay for the follow up and upkeep.  These visits can range from $20 – $100’s depending on what is needed.  The healthcare upgrade plans dictate the follow up visits and may not have many providers in an area or they may limit what can be done at these visits. The expected cost over the lifetime of the unit for follow up care can be several hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Like physical therapy,  the service component is often the most important part  because in order to be a good user, hearing devices need to be set up, adjusted, and used correctly to have a successful outcome.  As problems arise, they can be effectively dealt with.

The familiar adage is “You get what you pay for.”  It is advisable to contrast discount programs with private purchasing devices.  You may find that the pricing factors do not differ all that much when the follow up is included in the fees.  With private purchased hearing aids, follow up services are generally provided a no cost. Many office provide loss insurance, repairs, the batteries, filters, and other parts at little to no cost.

The value of being able to have an easy conversation, and having a professional expert taking proper care of your ears is priceless.

Call for your consultation today!