Funding for Hearing Aids: North Dakotan Adults

Plain and simple, funding for hearing aids is hard to come by. Most people end up paying out of pocket for hearing aid expenses, and the average cost of one digital hearing aid is anywhere between $1,500 – $3,500! However, for adults seeking out funding opportunities for hearing aids in North Dakota, there are a few possibilities to consider.

Private Insurance

• Each private insurance plan is different and may or may not fund hearing aids. To determine if your health insurance covers hearing aids, check with your individual plan. Most plans have a toll-free number for member services listed on the insurance card.

Medicare

• People often ask if Medicare funds hearing aids – unfortunately, they do not. From the official U.S. government site for Medicare, “Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other health care provider orders these tests to see if you need medical treatment. Medicare doesn’t cover routine hearing exams, hearing aids, or exams for fitting hearing aids.” To learn more, visit: http://www.medicare.gov/

Medicaid

• Some state’s Medicaid programs cover some or all costs for hearing aids. North Dakota’s program does not. To learn more, visit: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• The ND VA offers some funding for hearing aids. See their basic program qualifications below. To learn more, visit: http://www.nd.gov/veterans/benefits/hearing
  • Must be Doctoring at the VA, and have your VA  primary care provider refer you to audiology, based on you are unable to actively participate in you health care due to your hearing or.
  • Have a hearing related VA Service connection, or.
  • Have at least a 10% VA service connection and a referral from you VA primary healthcare provider.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

• If individuals need a hearing aid or similar device to help them maintain or gain employment, sometimes VR can cover those costs. To learn more, visit: http://www.nd.gov/dhs/dvr/

IPAT Funding Options

• Assistive Technology Financial Loan Program (ATFL)
  • An ATFL loan offers individuals with disabilities in the state of ND the option to take out a loan to acquire the assistive technology (AT) they need for independence at work, school, or home (that includes hearing aids).  An ATFL loan offers:
    • Low-interest to make it easier for people with disabilities to get the AT they need
    • Program flexibility to make what may seem out of reach financially affordable
    • Individual consideration if there is a poor credit history
    • Local loan administration by Alerus Financial and IPAT
  • To learn more, visit: http://ndipat.org/services/assistive-technology-financial-loan 
• Pedaling for Possibilities (P4P)
  • A P4P grant offers individuals with disabilities in the state of ND and Moorhead, MN funding to acquire the AT they need for independence at work, school, or home (that includes hearing aids). P4P funds are limited, and the application process is competitive. There is no guarantee the AT requested will be funded. P4P is a payer of last resort.
  • To learn more, visit: http://ndipat.org/pedaling-for-possibilities

North Dakota Association for the Disabled (NDAD)

• Although NDAD does not specifically state they fund hearing aids, they do state they are a, “… charitable organization founded by concerned citizens for the purpose of assisting people with mental and physical disabilities in the state of North Dakota, many of whom are not eligible for services from other agencies.” Funding for hearing aids may be available based off of an individual’s personal need. NDAD is a payer of last resort. To learn more, visit: http://ndad.org/

Mayors Committee

• Some Mayors Committees across the state of ND will provide funding to individuals with disabilities for equipment (which may include hearing aids), clothing, car repairs, and more. Mayors Committees are for people of working age with disabilities that reside in cities with the program. In Fargo it is called the Grace Tweten 1 and 2 programs. Mayors Committees funds AT that relates to work or getting ready for work. Mayors Committees are a payer of last resort. Contact your local Mayors Committee for more information.

Other Local Funding Sources

• Union benefits
• Churches
• Centers for independent living
• Senior centers
• Clubs, local chapters, or other charitable organizations

Other Resources

• Seratoma Foundation
  • http://www.sertoma.org/page.aspx?pid=335 
• American Speech-Language Association
  • http://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Funding-Options-for-Adult-Hearing-Aids/
• Starkey Hearing Foundation
  • http://www.starkeyhearingfoundation.org/programs#/hearnow 
• Lions Club Hearing Aid Recycling Program
  • http://members.lionsclubs.org/EN/serve/hearing/hearing-aid-recycling.php
• National Organizations of and for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • http://www.gallaudet.edu/clerc_center/information_and_resources/info_to_go/resources/national_organizations_.html

Something to Consider

• There are  hearing aid funding programs (that I have not listed) available that require an application with a fee to qualify for. Be sure to research these entities carefully before investing time and dollars into their programs.

 

For questions feel free to contact IPAT!