Federal Funding Resources
Audiology Services and Hearing Aids
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Medicare
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) administers Medicare, the nation's largest health insurance program, which covers nearly 40 million Americans. Medicare is a health insurance program for people over 65 years of age, some individuals with disabilities under age 65, and people with end-stage renal disease.
U.S. Veterans Administration (VA)
The VA system's National Audiology and Speech Pathology Service provides high quality, comprehensive, state of the art clinical services to veterans with hearing, speech, language, voice, and swallowing disorders.
It is National VA Policy that hearing aids are furnished to eligible veterans in accordance with the restrictions defined in a VA Directive 2002-039 released July 5, 2002. Briefly, the Directive explains that eligibility for hearing aids is currently limited to veterans with a documented service connected hearing loss, veterans receiving a disability rating of 10% or more (for a condition other than hearing loss), and some veterans with very special needs. With the exception of veterans with documented service connection for hearing loss, an eligible veteran must be currently enrolled in and receiving healthcare from a VA Medical Center or VA Outpatient Clinic. Hearing aids are not customarily provided to non-service connected veterans. However, if there is a medical reason, a VA Physician can refer a non-service connected veteran for a hearing evaluation.
If you are not certain about your eligibility status, check your local phone directory for the number of your local Veterans Benefits counselor, or call your nearest VA and ask for the Veterans Service Center. You may also contact the VA Health Benefits Service Center toll free at 1-877-222-VETS (8387) or check online at the Veterans Health Administration Web site.
Tricare-US Department of Defence Military Health System
5111 Leesburg Pike
Skyline 5, Suite 810
Falls Church, VA 22041-3206
877-874-2273-Tricare Regional Office North
800-444-5445-Tricare Regional Office South
888-874-9378-Tricare Regional Office West
Eligible Tricare beneficiaries will receive all medically necessary and appropriate services and supplies, including hearing examinations administered by authorized providers that are required in connection with this benefit. This benefit is extended to family members as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2002. Eligible beneficiaries who suspect that they or a family member may have a hearing loss should schedule an appointment with their primary care manager for an initial examination. The primary care manager will then refer the beneficiary to an audiologist for any necessary tests.
For more information and to review eligibility requirements, visit the Tricare Web site or call the appropriate regional office. Overseas beneficiaries may call 888-777-8343.
