You’d be amazed by how many people in the US have a hearing loss. Johns Hopkins researchers show that at least 44.6 million individuals have some form of hearing impairment, with this figure expected to rise to 74.8 million in 2060.
So, why do people wait up to seven years to treat their hearing loss?
One reason is that it’s hard to spot a problem – particularly in the early stages. People can spend years believing that their hearing is just fine, when in reality there is a significant issue that needs to be addressed.
Another is the stigma associated with hearing loss – more specifically, hearing aids. Fortunately, opinions are changing, and more people are seeking help!
However, a major concern for many is the potential cost of their treatment. For those living on a fixed budget, investing in hearing aids is beyond their reach.
Additionally, most aren’t sure if their health insurance plan will help cover the cost. There are plenty of questions surrounding this topic, such as:
- How much are they going to cost?
- Does insurance cover hearing aids?
- How much will a hearing aid cost with insurance?
- Are there coverage limitations?
- How often does my coverage renew?
- Which hearing care providers can I work with?
- Do I need a primary care physician referral for hearing aids?
- More specifically, does UnitedHealthcare pay for hearing aids?
Because there are so many unanswered questions, help from an insurance expert is called for.
[Why not let our experts do the hard work?]
Why Are Insurance Policies Difficult to Read?
We understand the frustration you go through when you’re trying to sort out what your insurance will and will not cover.
To begin with, regardless of whether it is auto, home, life, health, or any other kind of insurance, insurance policies are written in “insurancese,” a unique language that is heavily influenced by attorneys who are attempting to cover all of their legal bases to protect the insurance company from having to pay out too much on a claim.
“Simple language is ambiguous,” explains P.J. Miller, partner with Wallace & Turner Insurance in Forbes. “And ambiguous contracts are prone to be torn apart by attorneys.”
John Cook, president of QuoteWright, a travel insurance site, quoted in the same Forbes article, notes that “travel insurance policies usually have readability standards, which were established in the 1980s. Insurance policies have a target readability of 8th or 9th grade level, but scoring on an 8th or 9th grade level doesn’t mean that the policy is readable – or easy to understand.”
Intense scrutiny by the courts is what continues to make it difficult to read your insurance policy. The Forbes article already mentioned also provides some tips for improving your ability to navigate your insurance policy.
What is the first tip on their list?
Get Help!
Our insurance coverage specialist speaks fluent “insurancese” and legalese and is able to translate what you can expect your health insurance or UnitedHealthcare insurance to pay for hearing aids into simple language you can understand.
[Take advantage of our insurance expertise.]
How Much Will I Have to Invest in Hearing Aids?
Before considering how much UnitedHealthcare pays for hearing aids, let’s start with a ballpark figure of how much you can expect to invest in hearing aids.
The average investment needed is roughly $2,400 for each hearing aid. Since most people usually need two, you’re looking at close to $5,000.
Those eligible for Medicare, which includes the majority of people with serious conditions, can get coverage for professional assistance but not for the cost of hearing aids.
The good news is that some health insurance providers cover some or all of the costs of hearing aid treatments.
Does UnitedHealthcare Cover Hearing Aids?
UnitedHealthcare is one of the insurance groups that does offer coverage for hearing treatments. It provides this service to people in every state in America, along with those in 130 other countries worldwide. Many first-time patients that enter the clinic often ask “Does UnitedHealthcare cover hearing aids?”
We’ve detailed below what you can expect to receive from UnitedHealthcare hearing aid coverage in 2023 from each of their Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans:
#1 – AARP MedicareComplete Plan 1 (HMO)
With this plan, you only need a $20 copay for hearing exams, a $380 copay for inner-ear hearing aids, and a $330 copay for outer-ear hearing aids.
Additionally, patients may see their preferred doctor and have a $0 monthly premium.
#2 – AARP MedicareComplete Plan 3 (HMO)
This plan is very similar to plan 1. But the main difference is that the hearing exam copay is only $5, while the monthly premium is $36. The copay for both types of hearing aids is the same.
#3 – AARP MedicareComplete Plan 4 (HMO)
This plan, again, is similar to the first two. However, with this, there’s a $0 copay for hearing exams and an $81 monthly premium. The copay for both types of hearing aids is the same.
Why Not Let Us Help You?
Even with all the information to hand, sorting through all of the insurance red tape and navigating the fine print can still become frustrating.
If you’re concerned with what hearing aids cost with insurance, and more specifically, how much UnitedHealthcare will pay for hearing aids, your best option is to ask our dedicated insurance experts at All About Hearing to help you.
With one quick phone call, you’ll have peace of mind on exactly where you stand with your hearing care coverage moving forward.
If you have concerns or just want to find out more information, simply give us a call at (432) 689-2220, and we’ll do all the hard work for you!
