Untreated Hearing Loss Can Affect Your Clients’ Quality of Live

  • Medicare News
    Published April 13, 2021

    Hearing loss can have a major impact on your clients’ health and wellbeing. According to the Center for Hearing and Communication, 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 have some hearing loss. And most wait years to seek treatment after their initial diagnosis. Here are a few statistics to share with you. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to several health conditions, which include:

    • Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia
    • Increased levels of depression, anxiety, and paranoia
    • Increased feelings of isolation from friends and family members
    • Increased risk of falling

    We recognize that hearing loss is important to treat. We also know that the cost of a hearing device can be a barrier to our members getting them. That’s why many of our Medicare Advantage plans include a substantial hearing benefit. Members with Total Health (HMO), Classic (HMO), Charter + Rx (HMO), Alpine (HMO), Sound + Rx (HMO), Peak + Rx (HMO), and Core Plus (HMO) plans include the Hearing Care Solutions (HCS) benefit which includes:

    • A hearing aid benefit of $1,000 per year per ear—an incredible benefit.
    • All hearing aids purchased through Hearing Care Solutions include the following at no extra charge:
      • Hearing aid fitting
      • 3-year manufacturer's warranty including loss, damage, and repair
      • 2-year supply of batteries (up to 64 cells per ear, per year)
      • 1-year of follow-up care with original provider
      • 60-day evaluation period
      • 12-month interest free financing available to qualified applicants
    • State-of-the-art technology: Direct to iPhone and Android, Bluetooth compatible, lithium ion rechargeable, and smartphone apps.

    Please share this message with your clients.

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    Make sure you’re taking advantage of your Premera Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan hearing benefits.

    Many Premera Medicare Advantage plans have great hearing benefits. If you have the Total Health (HMO), Classic (HMO), Charter + Rx (HMO), Alpine (HMO), Sound + Rx (HMO), Peak + Rx (HMO), or Core Plus (HMO) plan, you have the Hearing Care Solutions (HCS) benefit which will cover the cost of select hearing aids and much more. All other Medicare plans have special discounts as well. Check out the Premera member discounts page for discounts for other plans.

    Need help getting started with your HCS benefit? It’s easy.

    1. Contact HCS via dedicated toll-free number 866-344-7756, 5:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific Standard Time. Or visit their website for more information.
    2. Let HCS help you find a HCS location based on your location.
    3. Let HCS schedule your first appointment with a HCS in-network provider.

    All appointments scheduled through HCS provide an annual hearing exam at no charge. Please let me know if you have any questions.

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