Iowa HHS is pleased to announce the availability of funds for children in need of hearing aids and/or audiological services. Funding was made possible through an appropriation by the Legislature during the last legislative session (23). Funds are limited, therefore claims will be processed on a first come, first serve basis and considered as payor of last resort. Claims will be accepted for services July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, or until the funds run out. If you know of a child in need of hearing aids or audiological services, please contact North Iowa Community Action at (641) 424-8006 for an application or click on the application included below.Â
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Completed applications and provider information sheets shall be faxed or mailed to North Iowa Community Action at the following address/fax number:Â
North Iowa Community Action Organization
Hearing Aids and Audiological Services Program
P.O. Box 1627
Mason City, IA Â 50402-1627
Phone: (641) 424-8006
Fax: (833) 536-1806 Â
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*Claims will be reimbursed based on Medicaid rates. If you have further questions, please contact North Iowa Community Action at the number listed above.
There are a number of options available in regards to funding for families with children who develop hearing loss. Our staff is dedicated to connecting you to the resources that are right for you. Newborns are screened for hearing loss prior to hospital discharge and have a follow-up diagnostic evaluation. Those identified with hearing loss are enrolled in early intervention programs designed to help them develop communication skills. We work with providers and programs to ensure these goals are met through the assortment of potential resources, programs and funding mechanisms available. Look below to explore available options.
The first step for financial assistance for hearing aids is to check with your health insurance provider to see if there is hearing aid coverage. Additionally, audiologists may be aware of other funding sources.Â
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.
DSCI connects deaf individuals to a variety of different services, including some funding opportunities.
Private health plans also may be a payment source for audiology and speech-language pathology services for a child with a hearing loss. However, health plans may exclude congenital conditions or services rendered in the public school. Careful review of the plan will determine coverage of services related to a child’s hearing loss.
