Health insurance benefits run on an annual schedule. With each new calendar year, your benefits may change, leaving out some of the hearing care you previously had coverage for. That’s why it’s so important to do your due diligence and take advantage of your end-of-year hearing care benefits.
Not all insurance plans make your hearing care coverage clear. Here’s what you need to know to avoid losing your benefits after the first of the year.
Use It or Lose It: Why You Should Use Your Hearing Benefits Before They Expire
Many private health insurance companies operate on a “use it or lose it” basis when it comes to hearing care. This means that they approve coverage for assistive devices, like hearing aids, for a certain number of years.
Let’s use a two-year plan as an example. Say your insurer covers the cost of new hearing aids every two years. It may or may not make this obvious to you, so you might assume your coverage is good to go whenever you need it.
At the end of this two-year period, however, if you haven’t used the coverage, you’d have to wait an additional two years after that for new hearing aids. If something happens to your hearing aids in the meantime, you could be on the hook for 100% of the costs. Not using these benefits before they expire means you forfeit them.
What Services Are Covered By End-of-Year Hearing Care Benefits?
Your covered services will depend on your specific insurance policy. You may be able to take advantage of benefits for:
- Hearing loss evaluations and exams
- Pediatric hearing care
- Tinnitus testing and treatment
- Hearing check-ups
- Cochlear implants
- Hearing aids
- Assistive accessories
- Hearing-related cognitive screenings
Our team will work with you to determine your most pressing concerns and maximize your insurance coverage.
How to Verify Your Coverage
Always check with your insurance directly to find out what kind of coverage you have. Unfortunately, we can’t verify your specific insurance benefits and their timelines. However, we can guide you to the right place to find this information.
Most insurance companies have convenient online portals with information on exactly when and how your benefits can be used. The documents there should include details about your deductible, what types of exams and devices are covered, and who to call if you have any questions.
You may have an insurance agent assigned to you. If not, there will at least be a customer inquiry line that you can call. Look for a toll-free number on the back of your health insurance card. Representatives from your insurance company can answer any questions about your coverage.
Make sure you explain that you’re looking to use your end-of-year hearing care benefits before they expire. It’s a good idea to ask when those benefits reset (two years, five years, etc.) so that you’re prepared for next time.
The Risks of Waiting Too Long to Schedule Your Hearing Care Appointment
Health insurance benefits for hearing aids are important, but they aren’t the only factor to consider. Many patients wait to use their end-of-year hearing care benefits until the last quarter of the year. Most people have more time off from work over the holidays, too, making it our busiest season.
For us, this means that year-end hearing care appointments are in high demand. If you wait to use your end-of-year hearing care benefits, we might not have any open appointments left.
How to Make the Most of Your End-of-Year Hearing Care Benefits
Start planning for your hearing care during the busy season now. The earlier you can come in for an appointment, the better — we want you to get the comprehensive hearing care you deserve.
If you’re not sure what you need, we recommend booking a general hearing care evaluation. We can diagnose your hearing difficulties and come up with an effective treatment plan. This also gives us time to figure out what hearing technology your insurance will cover.
For existing patients, we offer telehealth appointments. This means you don’t have to visit one of our office locations. You can get expert advice and guidance from the comfort of your own home. Whether it’s time to renew your hearing technology or you simply need a check-up, we’re here for you.
Why Annual Hearing Care Is Important
Neglecting your hearing health can have permanent consequences. Yearly hearing care is essential for maintaining good health and well-being.
Emotional and Social Health
Your hearing affects your mental health, social life, and ability to function at work and school. Even minor hearing difficulties can pose threats to these areas of your life. If you can’t hear very well, you might feel excluded and isolated from those around you.
Your work and school performance can suffer as well. If you don’t have the necessary accommodations and assistance with your hearing problems, you may fall behind on important tasks. This can affect your grades and your employment.
Hearing loss has been linked to poorer mental health in almost all age groups as well. By taking care of your hearing each year, you can also take care of your mental well-being.
Tracking Changes and Catching New Problems
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with a hearing issue or you’re just noticing differences, an annual evaluation is important. At your yearly appointment, we can monitor and track any changes in your hearing abilities. We may catch changes before you do, allowing for early intervention.
Maintaining Your Hearing Technology
If you’re living with devices like hearing aids or cochlear implants, staying up-to-date on their functioning and maintenance can save you time, money, and hassle. We can examine the technology to make sure it’s working properly and address any necessary repairs.
Happy Ears Hearing Center: Schedule Your Year-End Hearing Care Appointment Now
It’s important that you use your hearing benefits before they expire. Make the most of our services before the busy season hits by scheduling your hearing care appointment at one of our locations today!
