Why Doesn't Insurance Cover Tinnitus Treatment?
Why Doesn't Insurance Cover Tinnitus Treatment?
Tinnitus can affect people of all ages and currently has no cure. Anyone living with the condition knows that tinnitus is a frustrating experience at best and a debilitating one at worst. As you evaluate your options for how to manage life with tinnitus, you'll want to know which treatment plans are covered by your health insurance provider and which ones are not. Unfortunately, Medicare and other major insurance companies do not cover tinnitus treatment. Read on to learn why insurers often exclude tinnitus from their coverage and how to receive care despite the lack of insurance.
The Core Problem: Why Insurance Companies Exclude Tinnitus Treatment
Many of the reasons for the lack of coverage for tinnitus in most insurance plans come down to a lack of standardization. Most insurance companies do not have specific procedural codes for tinnitus treatments. This makes it next to impossible to submit claims or receive reimbursement for tinnitus-related services. There are also fewer government mandates requiring private insurers to cover tinnitus or hearing aids. Even if insurance providers recognize tinnitus, it is often defined as a "non-essential" condition, which puts it in line with procedures like cosmetic surgery or dental work.
This is one of several cost-saving measures insurance companies use to restrict their coverage. Tinnitus is a fairly common condition, and the prohibitive cost of some treatment plans leads to increased premiums, which cut into the profit private insurers are seeking. The need for objective documentation is another factor that makes it hard for those experiencing tinnitus to get treatment, as the symptoms of tinnitus are often subjective and hard to prove through objective testing.
Decoding Common Insurance Policies
Does insurance cover hearing aids for tinnitus? Here is what to expect (or not) from different health insurance providers:
- Original Medicare - Medicare Parts A and B do not cover hearing aids and most other tinnitus treatments. That said, Medicare will reimburse patients for hearing and balance exams if a doctor deems it necessary for their care.
- Medical Advantage - Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans come with additional benefits, such as partial coverage for hearing aids and related services. Beneficiaries should study the details of their plan to understand what their coverage provides.
- Commercial Health Insurance - Tinnitus coverage will vary substantially depending on your employer and insurance plan. Some plans may cover a yearly hearing exam or evaluation, but typically exclude the cost of devices or therapeutic treatments. Like with other insurance policies, it's smart to evaluate your options when you have the chance to get the best coverage possible.
Your Options in Arizona: Getting Effective Treatment
The lack of Medicare coverage for tinnitus is frustrating, but it shouldn't be viewed as a reason to avoid getting treatment for your condition. Tinnitus can do real harm to your quality of life, and the symptoms can get worse if not diagnosed. Waiting only makes it less likely that your situation will improve.
There are many potential paths for tinnitus therapy, so it's important to consult with a professional audiologist who can create a personalized treatment plan that suits your situation. One such option available at the Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona is
Lenire. Lenire represents the latest in medical innovation as the first FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulation device. The non-invasive device transmits electrical impulses through the tongue and provides sound simulation with headphones to minimize the effects of tinnitus with more effectiveness and faster results.
If you would like support to pay for any tinnitus treatments, we do offer financing plans through CareCredit.
Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona Can Help
Living with tinnitus can be challenging, and the lack of insurance coverage can make the search for affordable treatment disheartening for many affected by the condition. But just because tinnitus doesn't yet have an absolute cure doesn't mean it can’t be successfully managed. The Tinnitus & Hearing Center of Arizona offers multiple cutting-edge, modern tinnitus treatment options to help patients both understand the underlying mechanisms of their tinnitus symptoms while reducing or even eliminating the severity of the symptoms. If you're an Arizona resident looking for relief from tinnitus, contact us today for a personalized consultation.
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