by Russell Noga | Updated January 28th, 2024
When it comes to managing hearing loss, knowing if your insurance provides support is crucial. One common question is, “does Humana cover hearing aids?” Yes, Humana does cover hearing aids under many of its insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage and select non-Medicare plans. In this article, we detail the types of Humana plans that provide hearing aid coverage, what benefits are included, and how to navigate the costs and claims process.
Key Takeaways
- Humana provides coverage for hearing aids through Medicare Advantage and non-Medicare plans, including exams, fittings, and follow-ups, but details of coverage such as copayments and allowances may vary by plan.
- The cost of hearing aids with Humana insurance typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,000 per device, with potential copays between $0 to $999 depending on the device level, and some plans offering an allowance up to $1,000 per year for two hearing aids.
- To qualify for Humana’s hearing aid coverage, individuals must be enrolled in a plan that includes hearing aid benefits, meet age and assessment requirements, and obtain hearing aids from a licensed audiologist.
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Exploring Humana's Hearing Aid Benefits
Humana provides a wide range of coverage options for hearing aids, catering to individuals with varying degrees of hearing loss. Embracing both Medicare Advantage plans and non-Medicare plans, Humana’s coverage options extend to include hearing exams covered, fittings, and follow-up care, among other services.
A clear understanding of these coverage options is vital because it has a significant impact on your hearing health management and, more importantly, the way you experience the world around you.
Coverage Under Humana Medicare Advantage Plans
Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive coverage for hearing aids, including exams, fittings, and follow-up care. However, the specifics of coverage, such as whether it is full or partial, as well as copayments or coinsurance, may vary depending on the specific plan.
In order to qualify for Humana insurance coverage of hearing aids, certain eligibility criteria must be met, including being enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan and having medically necessary hearing loss documented by a licensed audiologist.
Hearing Aid Benefits in Non-Medicare Humana Plans
For individuals under 18, non-Medicare Humana plans provide a comprehensive coverage, encompassing factors such as copayment, deductible, and coinsurance. Additionally, these plans offer optional riders with benefits for adults, including services provided by a hearing instrument specialist. However, if your Humana policy does not provide coverage for hearing aids, there may still be member discounts available to assist in reducing the cost of treatment.
Moreover, non-Medicare Humana plans may provide specific programs to support adults with the expenses related to hearing aids, along with member discounts.
Deciphering Your Coverage: Understanding Humana Policies
The extent of hearing aid coverage with Humana is largely determined by the type of policy you have. Many Medicare Advantage plans offered by Humana cover hearing aids and provide discounts on associated services. However, it’s worth mentioning that the range of hearing aid benefits may vary significantly among Humana policyholders.
As such, individuals can ascertain their specific hearing aid benefits by undergoing an assessment at a hearing care provider’s facility. Subsequently, the provider can initiate direct communication with Humana to obtain the specifics of the individual’s coverage and benefits for hearing aids.
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The Cost Factor: What to Expect With Humana Insurance
Cost is often a deciding factor when it comes to choosing hearing aids. With Humana insurance, the typical cost range for hearing aids is usually between $2,000 and $3,000 per device. However, the cost variation for hearing aids across Humana plans can include:
- Full coverage
- A specific hearing aid allowance, with some plans providing up to $1,000 per year for two hearing aids
- Medicare Advantage plans offering discounts on hearing aids and related services.
In addition to these costs, there’s also the copay to consider. The copay for standard hearing aids under Humana insurance is usually $699 per ear, but can vary from $0 to $999 for premium devices. Furthermore, there may be an extra $50 copay for rechargeable aids.
Accessing Hearing Care Services With Humana
Finding an in-network provider is the first step to access hearing care services with Humana. You can locate a suitable provider who accepts Humana Medicare hearing aid coverage by utilizing the ‘Find a doctor’ tool on the Humana website or directly reaching out to Humana. As part of its commitment to supporting its members, Humana offers a complimentary online hearing test to establish a baseline of their hearing health, guidance on scheduling a complimentary hearing evaluation through HearUSA, and covers the expenses of standard hearing evaluations, including fittings and assessments, with no copayment.
Audiologists play a key role in this process, offering their expertise in hearing tests, assessments, fittings, evaluations, and balance issue checks.
Advanced and Premium Level Devices: Are They Covered?
When it comes to hearing aids, devices are not created equal. Advanced and premium level hearing devices are characterized by higher levels of technology, providing superior features and performance compared to standard or essential level devices. And the good news? Humana insurance does provide coverage for these advanced and premium level hearing aids. However, it’s important to note that copayments are necessary for these devices, and the amount can vary based on the level of the device.
Examples of advanced and premium hearing aids covered by Humana insurance include the standard TruHearing hearing aid with a $699 copay and the advanced level instruments with a $399 copay.
Qualifying for Coverage: Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for Humana’s hearing aid coverage, individuals must:
- Be enrolled in a Humana plan that specifically includes coverage for hearing aids
- Be aged 21 or older
- Require one hearing aid assessment, fitting, checking, and evaluation every 2 years
Furthermore, in order to meet the coverage criteria, it is necessary for hearing aids to be procured from a licensed audiologist as per Humana’s requirements.
Making an Informed Decision: Selecting the Right Hearing Aid
Selecting the right hearing aid constitutes a significant step in your hearing health journey. When deciding on a hearing aid covered by Humana, it’s important to consider factors such as:
- lifestyle
- type of hearing loss
- features
- cost
For instance, your daily activities and surroundings can influence the type of hearing aid that would be most beneficial for you.
Furthermore, hearing aids covered by Humana are most effective for sensorineural hearing loss, which is the most prevalent type of hearing loss. When it comes to choosing a device, Humana offers a variety of options, including the standard TruHearing hearing aid or a premium option.
Filing a Claim: The Process With Humana
After choosing your hearing aid, the next phase involves filing a claim. Before submitting a Humana hearing aid claim, it’s imperative to determine your eligibility for coverage. This can be accomplished by visiting the Humana Medicare website and reviewing the eligibility requirements provided there.
The process for submitting a hearing aid claim to Humana involves electronic submission or a paper claim submission. Furthermore, you have the option to track the status of your claim online. Remember, claims for hearing aids with Humana should be submitted within 90 days from the date of service.
Keeping Up-to-Date: Recent Changes in Humana's Hearing Aid Coverage
Keeping abreast of recent changes in Humana’s hearing aid coverage ensures you’re making the most of your insurance benefits. Recent updates indicate that several Humana Medicare Advantage plans now provide coverage for hearing aids, in addition to offering discounts on hearing aid repairs, fittings, maintenance, and other related services.
Furthermore, Humana Medicare Advantage plans undergo regular updates to their hearing aid coverage policies to ensure the provision of coverage for members with medically necessary hearing loss expected to last at least six months. For the latest updates on hearing aid coverage, including details from Medicare resources regarding Part B coverage for diagnostic hearing and balance exams, you can refer to Humana’s official website.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding the specifics of Humana’s hearing aid coverage options is crucial to managing your hearing health and enhancing your quality of life. Whether you’re exploring Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans or non-Medicare plans, it’s important to understand the coverage options, eligibility criteria, associated costs, and the process of filing a claim. Furthermore, staying informed about recent changes in Humana’s hearing aid coverage can help ensure you’re getting the most out of your insurance benefits. Remember, your hearing is precious, and with the right knowledge and resources, you can make informed decisions that can effectively improve your hearing health journey.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What hearing aid company does Humana use?
Humana partners with TruHearing, a leading provider of hearing benefits, to offer affordable and meaningful support for managing your hearing. Through this partnership, Humana provides funding for premium hearing devices, making it easier for you to access essential technology for better hearing.
Does Costco accept Humana for hearing aids?
No, Costco does not accept insurance for hearing aids, including Humana. This means you would have to pay out of pocket for hearing aids at Costco, even if you have insurance coverage for them.
Are hearing aids covered by most health insurance?
Most health insurance plans typically do not cover hearing aids, although some Medicare Advantage plans and private insurance plans may offer limited coverage or supplemental plans for hearing aids. It’s important to check your individual insurance plan for specific coverage.
What is the humana gold plus plan?
The Humana Gold Plus plan is a Medicare Advantage plan that offers extra benefits beyond Original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage and additional services like vision, hearing, and dental coverage. It may also include services like rides to medical appointments.
What are the coverage options for individuals under 18 in non-Medicare Humana plans?
Non-Medicare Humana plans offer coverage for individuals under 18, including copayment, deductible, and coinsurance, with optional riders for adult benefits such as services from a hearing instrument specialist. Consider exploring these options for comprehensive coverage.
Speak to the Professionals about Medigap Plans and Original Medicare
If you find understanding the benefits involved with Original Medicare and Medigap Plans challenging, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a Medigap plan, or you want to know more about Humana coverage for Hearing Aids, we can help. Call our team at 1-888-891-0229 for a free consultation or complete the contact form on this site, and an expert will call you back at a convenient time.
We have decades of experience advising our clients on the complexities of Medicare and Medigap plans, the benefits, cost and deductibles. We’ll ensure you get the best rate in your state and advice you can trust.
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.