EHDI - Funding

The Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, also known as Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA–Part C), provides grants to states to assist and maintain a statewide system of coordinated, comprehensive, and interagency programs of early intervention (EI) services for children from birth through age 2 and their families.

IDEA Part C services include assistive technology devices, such as assistive listening devices, hearing aids, personal FM units and closed captioning. Part C does not cover a medical device that is surgically implanted or the replacement of such a device. Cochlear implants (CIs) are in this category and not covered under IDEA Part C.

As the largest single insurer of children in the United States, Medicaid is one of the major sources of funding for hearing services. Medicaid is funded by both the federal and state governments, with each state administering its own program and establishing eligibility requirements. One of the primary mechanisms by which Medicaid services are provided to children is the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program. EPSDT services focus on the prevention and early treatment of children’s health problems, and states are required to cover a comprehensive set of services, including speech-language pathology and audiology. EPSDT may fund EI services and hearing aids. All services must be medically necessary.

Medicaid coverage and payment for CIs and related services may differ from state to state, but generally, under the EPSDT program, services related to prosthetic devices and durable medical equipment for children are covered.

Commission of Deaf Services connects deaf individuals to a variety of different services, including some funding opportunities.

Health care coverage for uninsured kids of working families.

Hawki Health Care Coverage

Iowa Compass  connects people with disabilities and complex health-related needs to services and supports in their communities throughout Iowa.

The Children at Home program is designed to assist you and your family in obtaining financial services and supports which are not met by other programs. An underlying principle of the Children at Home program is that you and your family retain control of decisions which affect your child and family. 

Iowa EHDI has created a funding resource packet for families of children with hearing differences who are facing financial barriers to resources and tools they need for their child. To the best of our knowledge, the information is correct as of April 2025 but is subject to change. 

• Funding Resources for Children with Hearing Differences