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Additional Funding Resources

Hearing Aid Coverage for Children, Senate Bill 57

The Hearing Aids for Children Senate Bill 57 was passed, taking effect when insurance renewed in calendar year 2009. This law mandates that private insurance companies cover hearing aids, fitting, and earmolds subject to a plan’s deductible and copays when regulated by the Colorado Division of insurance. Medicaid and CHP Plus already covered hearing aids. For more information on the bill, what is covered, and frequently asked questions, visit the Funding Toolkit online at www.cohandsandvoices.org.

The Funding Tool Kit

The Funding Tool Kit takes parents step by step through funding issues for children needing equipment or other services. This document is too large to include in this Resource Guide, however it can be downloaded on our web site at: www.cohandsandvoices.org/resources/parentfundingtoolkit.html

Sections in the Parent Funding Toolkit include:

• Instructions on creating a HEARING LOSS PORTFOLIO;
• Finding information about PRIVATE FUNDING SOURCES FOR HEARING AIDS, (excerpted in this resource guide on page 46) including HELPFUL HINTS WHEN APPLYING TO A PRIVATE FUNDING;
• Other HEARING AID FUNDING FOR COLORADO CHILDREN, the Hearing Aid Bill for Children, and who it covers (and what to do if your insurance plan is not covered by the mandate),  CHILDREN WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICAID, or CHILD HEALTH PLAN PLUS (CHP+); 
• Information about the HEARING AID LOANER BANK. 
• Useful information about NAVIGATING HEALTH INSURANCE, the laws that regulate health insurance, what your RIGHTS are regarding health insurance, and information about the APPEALS process.

Testimony from a parent:

“Two of my three children are hard of hearing and wear hearing aids. Much to our surprise, their first sets of hearing aids were paid for by our insurance company. However, both children have a progressive hearing loss and within a few years needed better hearing aids; luckily technology had improved. Our new insurance carrier did not pay for hearing aids. For two years in a row, we had to secure funding for new digital hearing aids.

Many applications ask for the same information and need the same documentation. Yes, it took some time, and funding can be confusing when it comes in small amounts from different organizations, but we did receive help. It was well worth the effort. The second time around was easier because I knew ahead of time what I needed for the applications; I had copies of documents ready and a stack of business size envelopes to mail the applications. Do not assume your income will disqualify you from funding; many of the funding sources do not make their decisions based on income alone.”

See a listing of funding resources for all ages, birth - 21 - more info...

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