UnitedHealthcare teams with AARP to tackle hearing aid costs
The companies touted that price as being significantly lower than prescription hearing aids available through traditional channels.
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UnitedHealthcare is now administering AARP Hearing Solutions, part of a new partnership with AARP, the goal of which is to reduce costs for prescription and over-the-counter hearing aids.
Under the new relationship, AARP members can now purchase prescription hearing aids through UnitedHealthcare Hearing for about $699 per hearing aid. The companies touted that price as significantly lower than prescription hearing aids available through traditional provider or retail channels.
It includes professional support from a licensed hearing professional, plus personalized assistance from UnitedHealthcare Hearing during and after purchase.
AARP members will also have access to UnitedHealthcare Hearing's national provider network of hearing healthcare professionals for no-cost hearing tests and in-person assistance for fittings, adjustments and support, plus direct delivery and virtual care options.
The program also enables AARP members to access exclusive program pricing on OTC hearing aids, which are a new option for people with self-diagnosed mild-to-moderate hearing loss. After completing an optional online hearing test, AARP members can order OTC hearing aids from brands including Bose.
WHAT'S THE IMPACT?
Untreated hearing loss is linked to higher rates of depression and dementia and increased risk of falls. A delay in the onset of dementia, depression and anxiety, and the risk of serious falls is significant both in terms of a patient's quality of life and for healthcare costs.
As part of the program, available to people even if they don't have UnitedHealthcare insurance, AARP members will gain access to a 15% discount on hearing care products, such as hearing accessories and assistive listening devices; a no-cost hearing test, hearing aid consultation and personalized support through a national network of hearing providers; virtual care and direct delivery options provided through Jabra Enhance; and one year of no-cost follow-up care.
The program also includes a 60-day money-back guarantee and four-year manufacturer warranty, as well as a three-year supply of hearing aid batteries or a charging case at no additional cost.
THE LARGER TREND
For many people without a hearing plan or insurance coverage that offers savings on hearing aids, access to care and high prices have historically been barriers to obtaining treatment for hearing loss, with the price of one prescription hearing aid typically ranging between $1,000 and $4,000, according to the University of Michigan.
ON THE RECORD
"UnitedHealthcare aims to support the physical, mental and social health of all Americans, and improving access to hearing health care is an important part of those efforts," said Tom Wiffler, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits. "Making it easier and more affordable for people to obtain quality, cost-effective hearing health care and hearing aids is crucial as part of our focus on whole-person health."
Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com
