Hearing aids covered for clients age 21 and older beginning January 1, 2019. The Washington State Legislature passed ESSB 5179 that requires Apple Health (Medicaid) to cover hearing instruments
(hearing aids) when medically necessary. Under the legislation, clients age 21 and older who meet specific hearing loss criteria may be eligible for the following: This page will be regularly updated. Hearing providers interested in providing health care services to Apple Health clients should bookmark this page for reference. 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. ProviderOneProviderOne is the billing system that eligible Apple Health providers use to submit claims, request prior authorizations, and receive payment. To receive notifications through ProviderOne:
GovDeliveryGovDelivery 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:
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?
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 |