Important Insurance News: Did you know that if you wanted to purchase in-ear hearing protection using your flex spending account you would need a letter of medical necessity?
Even if you have health insurance, not all your medical expenses are likely to be covered by your plan. With a flexible spending account or FSA, you can save money on eligible medical-related purchases, services and procedures that you would ordinarily have to pay for out of pocket. A medical FSA can allow you to set aside up to $5,000 per year of pre-tax dollars to pay for hearing aids and related services.
Insurance companies view hearing aids as elective. Hearing loss is a likely risk for growing numbers of Americans. To most insurance companies, hearing loss is not considered insurable. Better Hearing Institute notes that private insurance coverage for hearing aid treatment is very limited for adults nationwide. Only two states mandate some form of coverage for adults. Rhode Island mandates that insurance policies cover hearing aids for adults. Arkansas does not mandate coverage of the cost of hearing aids, but rather requires insurance companies offer coverage to employers in the state.
According to the FSA Store, hearing protection is eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity from a physician with a flexible spending account, health savings account or a health reimbursement arrangement. Hearing protection reimbursement is not eligible with a limited care flexible spending account or a dependent care flexible spending account.