Senior Financial Assistance for Hearing Aids

March 15, 2023

Hearing aids can be a significant expense, especially medical-grade devices purchased through an audiologist. However, the price tag shouldn’t deter you from seeking professional hearing care if you need it. Hearing aids undoubtedly improve everyday quality of life for those who struggle to hear, and studies have shown that wearing them can even improve brain function for those with hearing loss. Additionally, there are some financial assistance options available for seniors that can make hearing aids more affordable. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of senior financial assistance for hearing aids.

Veterans Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers numerous health benefits through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). One of these benefits is audiology services, including diagnosis and treatment with a professional audiologist. VHA Audiology can prescribe modern hearing aids from some of the top manufacturers including Phonak, Starkey, and Signia. Some people may need to pay a copay for these services, but VHA care is free for those who meet income requirements.

Qualifying for VHA Assistance

Most veterans who served active duty qualify for VHA services and assistance. Veterans must have served for 24 continuous months or the full length of time for which they were called to service. Some exceptions exist, such as for those who were honorably discharged or served prior to September 1, 1980. You can learn more about eligibility for VA health care on the official VA website, and apply online or over the phone.

Medicare

Medicare parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare, is the program that most people automatically qualify for upon turning 65. Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover any portion of hearing aids or hearing exams. However, most Medicare Advantage plans, which are purchased separately from Original Medicare through private insurers, offer additional benefits beyond what standard Medicare provides. Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing care, which can include diagnostic services, working with an audiologist, and/or the cost of hearing aids themselves. If you currently use a hearing aid or need hearing care, be sure to specifically look for a plan with this coverage when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicaid

Medicaid may provide some financial assistance for hearing aids, but it depends where you live. Because Medicaid is a joint program between federal and state governments, Medicaid benefits can vary depending on your state. Some services, like hospital care, are required by the federal government to be included in all states’ Medicaid programs. But since hearing care is not one of these required services, the conditions of coverage vary from state to state. Some states cover the cost of hearing aids in addition to diagnostic services, follow-up care, and more; in others, hearing aids and hearing care may not be covered at all. Look into your state’s Medicaid coverage of hearing aids to find out if this assistance is available for you.

National and State Resources for Free/Subsidized Hearing Aids

In addition to the financial assistance options described above, there are national, state, or local resources available to help people access affordable hearing aids. Below, we list some of the national resources for seniors who need help finding free or low-cost hearing aids. To find additional local or state resources in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.

Help America Hear
Lions Club Affordable Hearing Aid Project (AHAP)
Miracle-Ear Foundation
National Hearing Aid Project
Starkey Hearing Foundation

Returning to Work

A 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report projected a 2.8% workforce participation increase for people over 75 by 2023. Seniors are continuing or returning to work for various reasons, including personal finances, enjoyment of what they do, and a desire to keep active. Returning to work may be the best option for being able to finance your hearing aids. Resume Builder has created a wonderful guide to help you prepare and re-enter the workforce. The resource includes instructions on how to use the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), resources for older veterans, and state-specific job boards and employment resources. Check out this link for the full guide.

If you have any questions about hearing aid financial assistance for seniors, check out the author’s site at Caring or contact us today at At Home Senior Services. We are happy to help!

Posted in Care Needs

At Home Senior Services | Senior Home Care Pittsburgh

4.9

Based on 27 reviews

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Lynn Moran

12:51 03 Jul 22

I needed help with my husband and At Home Senior Services was recommended by a visiting nurse. I was very pleased with everyone I dealt with. The girl that came to help was friendly and experienced. She was a great help to me and my husband. I was very pleased with the service I received.

Joe A

16:09 30 Mar 22

We had a great experience with At Home Senior Services for the care of my mother. Because of the caregivers, my mom was able to stay at her apartment and keep her independence. They helped her with meals, personal care, cleaning, and driving to doctor appointments. The last caregiver she had, Ayana, was a great fit, very responsible, and my mom enjoyed her company. She was proactive in the care, communicated well and was on top of my mother’s needs. Mattie in the front office was extremely helpful, responsive to our needs, and made the care and communication run smoothly. With the shortage of workers, there was turnover in caregivers, but I was kept updated. The owners, Mary Jo and David were professional, supervised the overall care, updated me on key items and were very welcoming.

t conlon

14:38 14 Mar 22

We had a wonderful experience working with everyone with At Home Senior Services. We highly recommend them.

Samuel Foster

14:28 21 Sep 21

If you have a loved one who needs in home senior services you need to call this company. Mary Jo, the owner, will come out and sit in your living room. She wants to understand exactly what the situation is so she gets the "right person" in place. I was concerned my Aunt would not accept a stranger in her house, but from the first day Clara did not feel like a stranger. Mary Jo, and David have reached out to me several time to make sure I was happy, and I have made it clear this whole experience could not have been any better. The other services I researched were large companies with multiple offices. This is a local company, and it is absolutely clear to me they care, and take the responsibility of providing quality services to seniors very personal. I highly recommend At Home Senior Service to any one who is trying to keep a senior loved one in their home and maintain their independence.

Ralph Morrow

23:37 17 Aug 21

At Home has been a terrific help to both my father and mother to help them age in place at their house. Dutch and Joellen were great.

Valerie Sylvester

20:03 17 Aug 21

At Home provided us a fantastic home aid. Our aid is reliable, compassionate and kind. Overall this organization has been great working with us in a difficult time for our family

Jennifer Lutz

19:14 16 Jun 21

Our family was so pleased and grateful for the caregiver we were connected with through At Home Senior Services. She was kind, patient, consistent and very helpful. Thanks to her and At Home Senior Services our mother was able to stay at home longer than we expected.

Jack Bonus

15:22 25 Mar 21

Great Company run by truly caring people.I used their services while recovering from back surgery and was impressed by the kindness of the caregiver they sent me.

Mattie Trella

12:18 17 Mar 21

What a wonderful agency! This agency has some of the best employees around! Honest, hardworking and dedicated are a few words to describe them. The owners are sure to hire good people to care for your loved one and will not just schedule anyone, they make sure the employee is a good fit. At Home has awesome clients who are more like family than just individuals utilizing our services. The office is welcoming and the staff are always there to help wherever and whenever. I am so blessed to get the opportunity to work alongside some of the best in the industry and look forward to the future with the company.

Marjorie Anderson

06:12 01 Feb 21

This agency has been immensely helpful in caring for my mother. The owners are very friendly and were always available when I called. They were able to set my mother up with a caregiver right away. The caregiver was extremely competent and very caring. My mother’s needs were met and even anticipated. I have already recommended this agency to another family and will not hesitate to do so again.

Karen Morw

03:05 19 Jan 21

💚At Home Senior Services is professional, organized, and compassionate. A mom and pop agency that truly cares for the well-being and health of your loved one- something you do not get from franchise agencies. I cannot say anything but great things about the company! 💚

Joel Carroll

22:48 16 Jan 21

I've been working for Mary Jo & David for only a little over a month and it has been a very pleasant experience. They are real heart people who attract great clients! And, they happily work with me and my schedule as I balance several companies that I work to patch together a full time career in the ever changing elder care field.

Alicia Steele

01:03 22 Sep 20

At Home Services is an excellent provider of in-home healthcare services for my elderly father-in-law.Our in-home healthcare team is professional, compassionate and caring; very reliable and engaging.We have great communication with the entire At Home Services team. We would not be able to keep my father-in-law at home without this great service provider.

Ann Amorose

19:19 16 Jul 20

At Home Senior Services is a great organization with caring people. They took care of my Mom for just about 2 years. They are extremely flexible as we had to change care levels several times and they always came through.

Annette Clements

13:03 16 Jul 20

I was happy to use a local provider to help with care for my grandmother after a fall and hospitalization. Staying in her home is important to her and she does not like to need extra help. Meeting with Mary Jo and getting to know the ladies that help my grandma was so helpful. They never make her feel like she not doing something right. They are like a friendly visit even though they are doing important things for her. They have been kind and flexible and updated me when something is off. I appreciate this team and their dedication to my grandmother.

lindsay morrow

15:12 03 Jul 20

This company is top of the line. What makes them different is the quality of the caregivers. They do not just hire anyone that walks in the door... they want your loved one to be in the best care possible. Highly recommend!

Robert Shockey

21:50 30 Jun 20

At Home Senior Services has earned my highest commendation! They performed extraordinarily and gave service above-and-beyond my high expectations.Their caregiver literally became a family member, who my father came to trust and love. Their business practices and responsiveness are outstanding. They stood out as much better than all other options considered.In summary, I don't believe you could have a better partner in caring for elderly or disabled family members.

Carrie Todd

22:40 11 Mar 20

The team was very committed to helping my mom get the best care in her home. Our feedback was welcome and addressed in a professional manner. I am grateful to Mary Jo and staff for the care of my mom and the advice given to us from start to finish. I highly recommend At Home Senior Services!

J R

20:31 14 Mar 19

Sonia cared for our family members with dignity and respect. We highly recommend her!

dennis morabito

21:39 13 Feb 19

We have been with At Home Senior Services for over ten years and have been very satisfied with the home care personnel they have provided. In fact, several of the caregivers have become lasting friends. They have all treated my (now) 96-year-old mother with kindness and respect, and often look for additional ways to help out during their service period. The administrative folks have always tried to make sure service is seamless when a particular caregiver is no longer able to attend to my mother. We have developed a relationship of mutual cooperation which makes the transitions easy. I would not hesitate to recommend At Home Senior Services to anyone in need of caregiver help for seniors.

steve allen

11:52 06 Feb 19

All of the people were extremely attentive to our needs. Very caring

peggi p

16:04 04 Nov 18

The staff and the dedication of the care for their customers is just speechless! At Home Senior Services are always there when you need them. They work very well with you on placing a care giver that meets YOUR NEEDS and WANTS!!! I could not ask or imagine better care that are family receives from them. They offer things that you may need to help you and your family or friend to make their at home care more pleasant than you knew was even out there! There's not place like home, and At Home Senior Services do just that! Thank you Mary Jo, David, Melissa, and to all of your staff for everything you do. If I myself ever need At Home care, I will be making that call for your help and compassion.

Rachel Carey

14:48 07 Aug 18

I have worked here for over 3 years. The nurse who owns the business is incredibly knowledgeable and assists each senior she meets with in making the right choice for their unique circumstance. Additionally, our caregivers get paid top rates - we have caregivers who have been with this company for over a decade! The tenure of our caregivers speaks to the quality of the management team.

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