Hearing aid providers that accept medicaid near me

Hearing aids covered for clients age 21 and older beginning January 1, 2019.

What happened?

The Washington State Legislature passed ESSB 5179 that requires Apple Health (Medicaid) to cover hearing instruments (hearing aids) when medically necessary.

What does this mean?

Under the legislation, clients age 21 and older who meet specific hearing loss criteria may be eligible for the following:

  • One hearing aid every five years.
  • A second hearing aid when specific criteria are met.
  • Repair and replacement of hearing aids.
  • Hearing aid related services and supplies.
  • Repairs to external components of cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) devices.

Where do I find more information on this benefit?

This page will be regularly updated. Hearing providers interested in providing health care services to Apple Health clients should bookmark this page for reference. 

Fee schedule

The adult hearing benefit fee schedule is currently being developed and will be posted here when complete. However, it will be nearly identical to the benefits for clients age 20 and younger found in the current hearing hardware fee schedule.

I’m interested! How do I sign up for notifications as a hearing provider?

HCA uses two systems to manage accounts and deliver information directly to providers.

ProviderOne

ProviderOne is the billing system that eligible Apple Health providers use to submit claims, request prior authorizations, and receive payment. To receive notifications through ProviderOne:

  • If you are a current Apple Health hearing provider: Log into ProviderOne.
  • If you are interested in providing Apple Health hearing services: Enroll as an Apple Health provider.

GovDelivery

GovDelivery is a free subscription email service that allows HCA to communicate directly to its providers. Visit the GovDelivery signup page to create a new account if you are not already registered, and to choose which topics you would like to stay informed on.

To sign up for hearing provider alerts:

  • Expand Apple Health (Medicaid) providers by clicking the “+” left of the description.
  • Expand Provider Alerts.
  • Scroll down and check the box for Vision-Hearing.
  • Click SUBMIT.

Most Medicaid Plans Cover Hearing Aids

Your hearing is important and you can get hearing exams if you have Medicaid Healthy Michigan Plan,  Healthy Kids, MIChild, or Traditional Medicaid. Some Medicaid plans do not cover people over age 21.   People age 21 and over should check with their individual health plans.  There could also be a small copayment for people 21 years of age or more.

What does Medicaid Cover?

  • Medicaid covers both routine and comprehensive hearing exams to diagnose and treat diseases of the ear and also tests to determine the need for hearing aids or alternative listening devices (ALDs).
  • Medicaid covers hearing aids (once every 5 years), fittings, cords, tubing, connectors, oscillators, receivers, and huggies. 
  • Medicaid covers alternative listening devices (ALDs) for people 21 years of age or more (once every 3 years).
  • Medicaid covers Cochlear Implants for all ages.
    • Infants to 23 months of age with a hearing loss of at least 90 db.
    • 2 years and older with a hearing loss of at least 70 db.
  • Medicaid covers delivery, adjustments, and modifications of hearing aids within a 24 month period.  The manufacturer’s warranty must cover a 90 day trial period in which the hearing aid can be exchanged or returned if the user is not satisfied.
  • Medicaid also covers battery and ear mold replacements, maintenance, and repairs.

What to Expect at a Hearing Exam

Your primary care physician will start by asking questions about you and your family's medical history, and hearing problems that you are having.  In most cases your primary care physician will complete the first routine hearing exam and, if necessary, refer you to an otolaryngologist or an otologist. Prior authorizations and medical documentation are required for the coverage of hearing aids. 

An otolaryngologist is a doctor who specializes in problems of the ears, nose, and throat.  An otologist is a doctor who specializes in problems of the ears, nose, and throat and also in the medical and surgical management of dizziness, hearing loss, and tumors of the ear.  The otolaryngologist or otologist will perform other tests and get medical clearance. For people over 18 years of age the otolaryngologist or the otologist can complete the medical clearance.  The otolaryngologist or otologist then refers you to an audiologist if hearing aids are recommended. 

An audiologist will go over your medical history, perform more tests and prescribe hearing aids, if they are medically necessary. 

How to find a hearing care provider

If you or a member of your household are experiencing problems with hearing, contact your Primary Care Physician first.

For a listing of Hearing Care Providers that accept Medicaid please call your individual health plan or by clicking on the web links below and follow the instructions provided.

Aetna Better Health Plan