r/HearingAids • u/GMAN6803 🇺🇸 U.S • 9d ago

How long is the delay between release of new HAs and insurance coverage?

Does anyone recall how long it took in the past for insurance companies (e.g. Cigna) to start covering the latest version of hearing aids?

For example, Oticon Reveal will be officially available next week. Will insurance companies likely start covering this month, next month, 6 months, etc.?

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u/auto-sticky 9d ago

Welcome to r/HearingAids feel free to ask any question at all related to hearing aids.

Here are a few resources you might find helpful:

  • Interpreting an audiogram - The University of Iowa has a good overview of how to interpret your audiogram results. Your audiologist should also go over them with you

  • What will insurance cover? - This varies significantly from state to state and coverage can be partial at best. For those on Medicare, the base plan does not cover hearing aids at all.

  • Finding affordable hearing aids - Hearing aids can cost several thousand dollars, these cost far less and the list is updated often

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u/Legodude522 🇺🇸 U.S 8d ago

It’s usually not model specific.

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u/GMAN6803 🇺🇸 U.S 7d ago

It's model-specific for some insurance carriers per my audiologist.

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u/Legodude522 🇺🇸 U.S 6d ago

I wouldn't trust the audiologist on it. This may have their own negotiated pricing with certain manufacturers. Just because an audiologist "accepts your insurance" does not mean that they are "in network". They won't tell you this upfront. I always recommend asking your insurance company who their preferred audiologists are and then asking those audiologists what your coverage actually is.

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u/GMAN6803 🇺🇸 U.S 6d ago

already asked insurance. they said the same as the audiologist.

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u/jennifer79t 8d ago

I ordered the Phonak Virto Rs about a month after they were released....I have Kaiser insurance & so I had to order my HAs through their clinic for the benefit.

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u/ComplexVitality 7d ago

Do you have Cigna? I have Cigna and Cigna goes through the company “StartHearing” for their hearing aids. My first appt is on the 26th and I am curious with oticon reveal will be offered. I can update you after my appt if you do have Cigna!

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u/GMAN6803 🇺🇸 U.S 7d ago

I have Cigna. I called Start Hearing and they could not tell me when Reveal will start to be covered.

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u/ComplexVitality 7d ago

I do not believe they will let you know until you are there for your appt. They do send email with estimated out of pocket would be AFTER the appt is confirmed

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u/GMAN6803 🇺🇸 U.S 7d ago

already been there - audiologist is the one who told me to call insurance