WHAT:
ACI Alliance published a new online resource on insurance coverage for cochlear implants (CI) including employer plans, Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security disability eligibility (for those under age 65) and other resources that may be applicable. Available free and online on the ACI Alliance website: https://acialliance.site-ym.com/page/Insurance
WHO:
The new Insurance Resource is intended to assist clinicians, educators and early interventionists working with children or adults with hearing loss as well as consumers and families who wish to pursue cochlear implants. Primary care physicians will also benefit from the information and being able to advise patients on insurance for the CI intervention.
WHY:
Considerable confusion remains regarding cochlear implants and coverage under health insurance. The majority of health plans cover cochlear implants for appropriate individuals of all ages from young children up to older adults. This resource discusses traditional insurance as well as some “non-traditional” funding sources that may be less familiar such as Social Security Disability and social service organizations. Certain aspects of the CI intervention such as rehabilitation or equipment upgrades can sometimes be difficult. These topics are also addressed with suggestions on how to overcome coverage challenges.
American Cochlear Implant Alliance is a non-profit dedicated to improving access to cochlear implantation through research, advocacy and awareness. Its members are otolaryngologists, audiologists, speech pathologists, educators and others on cochlear implant teams as well as parent and consumer advocates. The mission of ACI Alliance is to expand access to cochlear implants through research, advocacy and awareness.
For more information, go to www.acialliance.org
