Patient Resources
Explore expert tips, helpful guides, and the latest hearing health insights from South Shore Hearing Center
Does Harvard Pilgrim Health Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
The two top biggest objections people have when they consider hearing aids as a treatment for hearing loss is 1) being judged as old because of them and 2) of not being able to afford them.
With about 60% of people with a hearing loss avoiding or delaying hearing treatment, we praise you on doing the research re what it might take for you or a loved one to treat it.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to support the investment of hearing aids, and your health insurance plan is the first thing you’re likely to look up.
Does Harvard Pilgrim Health Insurance cover the cost of hearing aids? Yes, if your employer included it in your plan.
Harvard Pilgrim Insurance Covers
Harvard Pilgrim reimburses contracted providers for the provision of audiology services when it is a covered benefit or when coverage is mandated. Audiology benefits vary by employer group.
A referral is required for specialist services for HMO and in-network POS members.
A referral is not required for Open Access HMO and Open Access POS products.
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Harvard Pilgrim HMO/POS/PPO Can Cover
Comprehensive (non-routine) hearing examinations | Yes |
Hearing aid evaluations | When provided for amplification prescriptions |
Brain stem evoked response (BSER) audiometry | Yes |
Hearing aids purchased from a licensed audiologist or licensed hearing instrument specialist and all related services prescribed | Including the initial hearing aid evaluation, fitting and adjustments, and supplies, including earmolds only when the member’s employer group has purchased hearing aid coverage or when coverage is mandated (authorization, notification, or referral is not required) |
Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) | Only when the member’s employer group has purchased hearing aid coverage or when coverage is mandated |
Cochlear Implant-Related Audiology Services | Treatment of complications following cochlear implant Annual visit to ensure processor integrity; pediatric members through age 18 may receive two visits per year after the first year following implantation until adjustments for growth are no longer necessary Sound processor upgrade and subsequent adjustments as required when medically necessary Cochlear device replacement parts when medically necessary |
Harvard Pilgrim does not reimburse:
Tinnitus masking
Standard off-the-shelf hearing aid batteries (i.e., Duracell, Eveready, etc.)
Earmolds (unless otherwise mandated)
Earplugs
Central auditory processing treatment
Enhanced auditory training or auditory integration therapy
Our Experts Can Answer Your Insurance Questions
Our insurance specialists can find out what your Harvard Pilgrim Health Insurance Plan covers. We’ll look up the cost of a hearing test, hearing aids, and follow-up care.
We’ll find out what your deductibles and copayments are and if you have to stay in network or can choose your preferred hearing specialist yourself. This will depend on your HMO, POS, or PPO.
To help us find out what you need to know quickly about your Harvard Pilgrim Health plan, fill out the insurance coverage form at the end of this page.
South Shore Hearing Center wants to make it easy for you to treat your hearing properly, and we have many resources to help make it affordable.
Contact us with any of your questions about insurance, or anything else to do with hearing care, and we’ll get you answers.
All insurance plans are different and benefits will be verified, if you have any questions then please contact our friendly team who are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
