Question Submitted by: Richard Clark
Organization: Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Responses

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Response From Kelli Scott

KY OVR (at this time) only purchases BTE or full-shell ITE’s which are FM/ ALD ready or compatible. I know that this is a lengthy Service Fee and it is ever-evolving. Basically, we have agreements with the 7 major HA manufacturers as to the allowable rate (i.e. state Medicaid rates). We only apply our cost-sharing rules to the amount above $1,000 and only pay up to $800 per aid plus dispensing fee. The attached SFM explains the details. Don’t hesitate to contact me for more information.
Even with all these caveats most audiologists are still happy to serve our consumers.

KYOVR Hearing Aid Guidelines (PDF)

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Response From Warren Granfor

Hi Richard,
NDVR pays the invoice price for the hearing aid. A long time ago, over 20 years ago, we paid the Medicaid rate for the dispensing/fitting fee, which was abysmal. We then came up with our own fitting fee which is currently at $911 per aid for both in-ear and behind the ear. That amount should increase July 1. Attached is our current payment schedule. It talks about Level 1 and Level 2 hearing aids. I should remove the Level 1 hearing aid verbage since it’s been years since I’ve seen one of those. Let me know if you have any questions.

Payment Schedule for Hearing Aid Purchases (PDF)

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Response From Terry Morrell

In Maine the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) procures hearing aids for eligible clients of the Vocational Rehabilitation Program through a multi-state cooperative agreement administered by the State of Minnesota Cooperative Purchasing Venture (MNCPV). Contracts with a number of hearing aid manufacturers offer significant discounts from list price on a variety of types and models of hearing aids. Additional information can be found at the following web links:

https://www.maine.gov/dafs/procurementservices/reports/statewide-contracts/hearing-aid-contracts

http://www.maine.gov/rehab/ha_procurement/index.shtml

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Response From Kathleen Enders

In WI we will pay the invoice cost for the hearing aid plus 15% and pay the Medicaid rate for the dispensing fee. We just updated our hearing aid guidance for staff.

Hearing Aid Guidance (PDF)

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Posted in: Hearing Aids