Insurance and Funding Resources

We know it can be difficult to purchase hearing technology for your child. Below is resource information to help in your search. 

Private Insurance:

Most insurers do not cover hearing aids and other hearing technology in Washington State. Insurances most likely will cover a hearing evaluation by a qualified professional – e.g., an audiologist or ear, nose & throat doctor.

To find out if your insurance covers hearing aids or other hearing devices, review your policy or contact your insurance company. Coverage may be broader for children.

Understanding your Medical Insurance – This form is a tool that was created by parents to help new families learn more about their health care coverage. Learning about your coverage will help you make the best decisions to meet your child’s needs.

Apple Health – Apple Health is Washington State’s Free or low-cost health care that has been able to offer hearing technology to families who are eligible.

Parent Help 123 – Their friendly knowledgeable staff can help you find and enroll in health insurance that is the best fit with your income.

Other Funding Resources:

Ear Community – Ear Community is a charitable organization that helps individuals who were born with Microtia and Atresia. If you need help obtaining a BAHA (bone conduction hearing device) and have been denied by your insurance plan or can not afford to purchase one, please apply online.

Hearing Loss Association of America – A statewide organization of people concerned about hearing loss.

Hike Fund, Inc. – Provides low-income children from birth up to the age of twenty years with hearing aids and assistive devices. (Supported by Job’s Daughters International)
The Hike Fund Inc. c/o Hike Board Executive Secretary
10115 Cherryhill Pl., Spring Hill, FL 34608-7116
(352) 688-2579 Voice and Fax
E-mail: ceterrill1@aol.com

Seattle Children’s Hospital Financial Assistance Program – Seattle Children’s Financial Assistance Program (known as “Charity Care” under state and federal law) is for medically needed services. The program may be able to help even if you have insurance. It is based on family size and income.

Sertoma International – A national organization committed to civil service, Sertoma works with nonprofit organizations, hospitals, and school systems to fund hearing aids and other assistive technology for hearing loss. Contact your local chapter for more information.

Starkey Foundation – If you or someone you know is struggling with hearing loss and unable to afford hearing aids, call (800)328-8602 or email, and a Hear Now representative will be in touch with you.

Lions Club, How the Affordable Hearing Aid Project Works – Local Lions Clubs work with individuals to determine their eligibility (based on income) and arrange testing by a partner hearing care professional. The Lions club communicates with Lions AHAP to request and arrange shipping of the hearing aid(s). The selected hearing care professional then ensures proper fit of the aid, and provides follow-up care to make adjustments as needed.

Washington Women in Need Health Care Gap Grant – Health Care Gap Fund Grants – WWIN offers Health Care Gap Fund Grants that cover the costs of the following services for women who have Apple Health or Medicare insurance coverage:

-Dental crowns and bridges, and root canals on permanent bicuspid and molar teeth
-Glasses and contact lenses
-In some cases, health care provider access issues, and for reasons such as availability, geography, or language barriers (including for mental health care provider access issues)

Gift of Hearing Foundation – Working closely with the medical community, the Gift of Hearing Foundation will provide financial support to help a select number of economically disadvantaged patients receive cochlear implants. We will use these selected cases to highlight the gaps in reimbursement for cochlear implants and advocate for change. We can provide financial assistance to those whose insurance coverage will not provide for the cost of CI Implants.

Northwest Access Fund – Low interest loans for hearing aids and other assistive technology for individuals who are deaf & hard of hearing. Matched Savings program through which you can save up to $2,000 for any AT and receive up to $2,000 in matching funds.
Voice: 206-328-5116
Toll Free: 877-428-5116
TTY: 206-494-4775

Additional Family Household Needs

The EveryONE Project Neighborhood Navigator-offers you screening tools to identify patients’ social needs and address health equity. Use this interactive tool at the point of care to connect with supportive resources in their neighborhoods. It lists more than 40,000 social services by zip code.

Food
Housing
Transportation
Employment aid
Legal aid
Financial

 

 

Some families have also found success by contacting the individual companies who produce the hearing technology and asking if they have financial assistance programs.

For those over the age of 21 years, click here for more information and resources.

Washington State ABLE Savings Plan – Act 529 ABLE accounts; Similar to a 529 college savings plan, 529 ABLE accounts are savings accounts administered by the states. Money can be withdrawn tax-free when the funds are used to pay for qualified disability expenses. … Yet some states may offer tax benefits for those who use their home state’s plan.