This document provides information on various options for finding financial assistance to pay for hearing aids, including private insurance, medical flexible spending accounts, Medicare/Medicaid (though coverage is limited), Veterans Affairs benefits, charitable organizations, vocational rehabilitation programs, financing through credit cards or loans, and resources from the Better Hearing Institute and Hearing Loss Association of America. While the initial cost of hearing aids can be high, the monthly cost is usually less than a cable TV bill and improves quality of life. The document encourages exploring all available assistance programs before making a final decision.

1. Finding Financial Assistance
for Your Hearing Aids
Photo by Andrew Magill
https://www.flickr.com/photos/amagill/3366720659

2. The Value of Hearing Aids
• $5,000 ÷ 5 = $1,000 per year
• $1,000 ÷ 12 = $83.33 per month
• The average cable TV bill with internet and phone in the US
= $160 per month
While the initial cost of a pair of hearing aids may seem high, consider
that the monthly cost of better hearing is usually less than your cable TV
bill. For example, let’s compare the monthly cost of a $5,000 pair of
hearing aids over 5 years:

3. The Value of Hearing Aids
Better hearing, for less than $100
per month, builds stronger
relationships and a feeling of
reconnection with the people
around you. That’s why virtually
all of our patients agree that
hearing aids are well worth the
price.
But once you’ve decided to purchase a pair, do you have
to pay for them with an up-front cash payment?

4. Financing options
While finding help to pay for
your hearing aids can be
difficult at times, there are
several sources you should
check out before making any
final decisions. The following
slides will show you some of
these options.

5. Private Insurance
While private insurance varies by company and by state,
many people find that their plans offer some type of
assistance with hearing aids.
Start by contacting your own private insurance provider
about any relevant programs.

6. Medical Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical flexible spending accounts are a special type of
account you can use to set aside money (pre-tax) to pay
for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• These accounts are usually use-it-or-lose it accounts, but
are a great way to reduced your annual tax burden while
obtaining vital medical care.

7. Medicare and Medicaid
• This is not the most common way to pay for hearing aids,
and typically Medicare and Medicaid do not offer
assistance.
• However, in limited circumstances some benefits may be
provided. Check with a representative about your specific
circumstances.

8. Veterans Affairs
If you’re a veteran, check with your local VA office to see
if you qualify for benefits that could partially or
completely pay for hearing aids.

9. Charitable Organizations
• If you meet the financial criteria, there are many
charitable organizations that provide hearing aids or
financial assistance for hearing aids.
• Check for both national and state organizations

10. Vocational Rehabilitation Programs
• Check your state’s vocational rehabilitation program.
• If hearing aids are required to obtain employment,
your state may help you pay for them.

11. Financing
• Consider financing your hearing aids with credit
cards or through other credit arrangements.
• Several programs exist, including CareCredit, which
works like a credit card but is exclusive to healthcare
services.

12. Resources
Check out these additional resources from the Better
Hearing Institute and the Hearing Loss Association of
America:
• http://www.betterhearing.org/hearingpedia/hearing-
loss-resources/financial-assistance
• http://www.hearingloss.org/content/financial-
assistance-programs-foundations

13. Thank You
If you’re still not sure where to start, or are having
difficulty finding information, don’t hesitate to give us a
call. We can point you in the right direction and can help
you find the financing option that works best for you.
Your hearing is worth it—give us a call today!
www.islandbetterhearing.com
631-615-7374