Federal Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program Basic Under Observation Hospital Admission
Have you been confused trying to figure out if your BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program insurance plan covers you for hearing aids?
If so, then you're in the right place.
In this article, we'll talk you through what your BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program insurance plan includes when it comes to hearing healthcare and what your options are going forward.
By Default, Hearing Aids Are Not Covered By Insurance
In most states, standard insurance plans don't typically cover the cost of hearing aids, which comes down to the fact that insurance companies generally view hearing aids as elective and not mandatory.
This truly baffles hearing care professionals, as we know just how debilitating life can be when living with a hearing loss. Since hearing aids are medical devices that can change the lives of millions of people, you'd be right in thinking it's pretty unfair that something so vital to the quality of one's life would not be included in insurance plans by default.
However, 23 states require hearing aids to be covered in insurance plans, although most of them only cover children. Washington is not one of these states.
Some states have an odd rule that insists insurance companies include the cost of a hearing test, but this coverage does not extend to hearing aids.
Does Medicare Cover The Cost Of Hearing Aids?
Around a third of individuals in the US between ages 65 and 74 have some level of hearing loss. What's more, half of those over the age of 75 have a hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).
These age ranges indicate that most people who could benefit from hearing aids are also eligible for Medicare coverage.
The bad news is that Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing care, leaving many dependent on the program without the means to invest in hearing aids.
Fortunately, many insurance companies provide Medicare supplement plans to help cover costs that Medicare does not.
BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program is one of these companies.
What Does BlueCross BlueShield FEP Offer In Terms Of Hearing Care Coverage?
BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program provides two options with varying levels of provided coverage for hearing aids and hearing care, depending on the variations you choose.
Basic Option
You must see someone from their Preferred Providers list (PPO), and the copayment is higher if you see a Preferred specialist.
Hearing Tests
- Routine hearing tests and hearing aids are not.
- Hearing tests related to illness or injury are covered.
- Testing and examinations for prescribing hearing aids are covered.
Hearing Aids
- Hearing aids for adults age 22 and over are covered but limited to $2,500 every 5 calendar years.
- Bone-anchored hearing aids when medically necessary, limited to $5,000 per calendar year.
- Hearing aids for children up to age 22, limited to $2,500 per calendar year.
- Benefits for hearing aid dispensing fees, fittings, batteries, and repair services are included in the benefit limits.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids, enhancement devices, accessories, or supplies (including remote controls and warranty packages) are not.
Basic Option out-of-pocket costs are mostly copays.
Standard Option
Standard Option has fewer limitations, allowing you to see any doctor or specialist in or outside the network, including your audiologist. The copay is higher to see a specialist or to see someone outside the network.
The hearing test and hearing aid coverage are the same as it is for the Basic Option.
Standard Option has out-of-pocket costs that include a deductible, copays, and coinsurance.
FEP Blue365
FEP Blue365 offers additional benefits to plan members. This is not supplemental insurance; it is a free benefit of membership.
Additionally, if you have a hearing aid allowance in your insurance coverage, you can combine it with low TruHearing prices and offers.
- Access to a professional network of over 7,000 hearing health providers nationwide
- 45-day money-back guarantee (provider service fee may apply)
- 3 provider visits within the first year for fitting, training, and adjustments included in the cost of the hearing aid
- 3-year manufacturer's warranty for repairs and one-time loss and damage replacement
- 48 free batteries per hearing aid
- 30%-60% off the retail price of over 100 hearing aid models, saving members an average of $1,100 per hearing aid
Still Unsure? The Insurance Experts At Inland Hearing Can Help
Hearing aids provide a unique opportunity to continue living an independent and rewarding lifestyle without skipping a beat.
We want our patients to experience the incredible benefits hearing aids provide, so Inland Hearing goes the extra mile to help you get the financial help you need for your hearing aid investment.
Our insurance experts know exactly how to navigate and communicate with insurance companies, such as BlueCross BlueShield Federal Employee Program, to determine the level of benefits included in your coverage.
Submit our insurance coverage form to learn more about your benefits, or call us at your local office by clicking here.
Source: https://inlandhearing.com/patient-resources/does-bluecross-blueshield-federal-employee-program-cover-hearing-aids/
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