Say, “What?” Hearing Solutions May Be Easier (and Cheaper) than You Thought

Posted April 25, 2024 by Anne Armao, Vice President of Member Experience & Product Development

Anne Armao

Have you ever thought about what some of your favorite sounds are? Some individuals may say it’s a loved one’s voice or their laugh. Others might note a favorite piece of music as their most pleasing sound. The relaxing sounds of the ocean or rustling leaves in the fall may top other people’s lists of favorite sounds.

After taking a moment to think about those auditory pleasures, would you be willing to give any of them up? Probably not — and you shouldn’t have to either.

Nearly 40 million Americans (more than three times the entire population of Ohio) struggle with hearing loss. Many people put off seeking help for hearing difficulties. In fact, those who end up seeking help for hearing challenges do so, on average, four to five years later than they should have.

The following symptoms are all examples of what hearing loss experiences can be like on a day-to-day basis. Do you:

Find yourself saying words like, “What?” “Huh?” or “Pardon?” more often than you used to?
Experience any ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears?
Have trouble hearing friends or family members when you’re in a crowd or noisy room?
Get asked why the TV, radio or phone volume is up so loud?

If you answered, “yes” to any of those questions above, it may be time to schedule a hearing care appointment. While people sometimes resist a hearing exam because they worry about the cost or the appearance of wearing a hearing aid, SummaCare Medicare Advantage plan members have excellent coverage to ease, if not eliminate concerns.

Amplifon Hearing Health Care, SummaCare’s hearing care vendor, even offers a virtual screening option so members can gain a greater understanding of their hearing changes before even leaving the house. Should the virtual screening detect potential hearing loss, you will be assisted to find an in-network provider for a comprehensive exam who will recommend appropriate hearing aids from the several different options available to SummaCare Medicare Advantage plan members.

SummaCare MA members — on all plans — are covered for one hearing aid per ear every year from our formulary, after paying a $395 or $695 copay per hearing aid, for select models. Amplifon does have additional hearing-aid models available for purchase at a discounted rate.

Covered hearing aids include select models under these brands:

Amplifon® Via Miracle Ear®
GN ReSound
Phonak
Rexton
Signia
Starkey
Unitron
Widex

Beyond having a choice of brand and model, members may choose from the following types of hearing aids:

Completely in the Canal (CIC)
In the Ear (ITE)
Behind the Ear (BTE)
In the Canal (ITC)
Receiver in Canal (RIC)

Special Opportunity for Jade (HMO) plan Members

On top of the existing hearing-aid benefit for all SummaCare Medicare Advantage plan members, individuals on the Jade plan have an additional opportunity to save. Jade plan members who chose the $550 Flex Card as one of their five Bene-Flex™ benefit options may use those funds to lower their out-of-pocket hearing aid expenses.

If you are wondering if you need a hearing exam, don’t let your favorite sounds continue to fade away. Schedule a consultation today. To access your hearing aid benefits, please call Amplifon at 855.435.5111 or visit amplifonusa.com/lp/summacare to schedule a consultation.

SummaCare is an HMO and HMO-POS plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in SummaCare depends on contract renewal. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact medicare.gov or 1.800.MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Benefits may vary based on plan selected and county availability. H3660_SC990_M Accepted 04172024