Why Aren’t Hearing Aids Covered by Insurance?

The number of Canadians dealing with hearing loss is climbing, yet those who could benefit from hearing aids often do not have them. The main reason for this is the cost. Many insurance companies don’t cover hearing aids in their policies, which means that people are going without adequate support for their hearing. Hearing aids are an essential device for those recommended by a qualified hearing instrument specialist, yet they aren’t covered in many plans. It’s important to know why so that steps can be taken to improve the quality of life for those with hearing loss.

New hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars per ear, and those who are used to hearing aids and how they work often have to get replacements when they need to be refitted, reprogrammed or repaired. Hearing changes over time, declining for some and when there need to be new hearing aids, the cost often puts people off from getting help from a hearing instrument specialist.

Who is covered?

Thankfully, there are programs available that have coverage for hearing aids. Canadians can utilize these programs to ensure that they can get some help to cover the cost by location, if not total coverage. These include:

Ontario

Ontario offers an assisted devices program. This ADP provides a limited amount of coverage for hearing aids in both adults and children, and all that is required is an Ontario Health Insurance Health Card. The costs are covered up to 75%, and it can be for either one or two hearing aids. There is a maximum amount allocated for up to CD50 per heading aid, and cardholders are eligible every three years. The patient covers any extra costs that pertain to expensive hearing aid models. A hearing instrument specialist can give you the access you need to the right help.

Quebec

In Quebec, patients can utilize a hearing devices program, and this is intended for those with hearing impairments that meet specific requirements. This includes a hearing loss of 35dB at a minimum in their better ear. Children with speech and language issues that have hearing loss are entitled to a subsidy automatically up to age 12. The program works to cover the cost of initial purchase as well as replacement hearing aids.

Atlantic Provinces

Up to the age of 21, children and students are able to purchase a variety of hearing aids and accessories through the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA).

British Columbia

Hearing aids may be provided to British Columbia residents through the Regional Health Authority (RHA) or private suppliers and assistance is available for those who do not have the finances to meet their needs or require hearing aids to work.

Alberta

Alberta Aids to Daily Living helps hearing aids automatically for those over 65 and those under 18. Those between 19-64 and on a low income can qualify for help under other programs, too. Adults requiring some support are offered a maximum of CD765 for one hearing aid. Those above a certain income level need to make a co-payment of 25% of the purchase price. For those with families with children under 18, the maximum benefit totals CD1,000 for one hearing aid and CD1,850 for both hearing aids. These programs are available for up to five years.

Saskatchewan

The Hearing Health Services’ Hearing Aid Plan offers counseling, hearing loss prevention programs and public education with no charge. Under this plan, hearing aid fittings and tests are provided for a fee and any hearing aids and hearing accessories are sold at a small cost.

Manitoba

Residents in Manitoba under the age of 18 benefits from health subsidies from Manitoba Health. This is only when prescribed from a hearing instrument specialist and coverage includes up to 80% for analog hearing aids. This benefit is provided for up to CD500 for each ear, and for CD1,800 for a digital programmable device. This can also cover dispensing fees, earmolds and impressions for up to 80% of the amount. For all claims, there is a deductible of CD75, and their plan includes only one device every four years.

Contact us today

If you are looking to speak to an expert hearing instrument specialist, learn more about Hearing Well Matters by calling us today at (647) 247-2704. We can give you the advice that you need on whether there is a plan available for you to help with hearing aids’ costs. If your insurance doesn’t cover your hearing aids, it will help to speak to a hearing instrument specialist today.