Does OHIP cover hearing aids for seniors?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan, also known as OHIP, provides partial coverage to people, including seniors, for hearing aids. They won’t cover the full cost of a hearing aid.
Seniors who are looking to apply must be assessed by an authorized audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. OHIP may help to cover related services, such as an audiology assessment, if it’s performed in a hospital or requested with a referral.
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) helps people with long-term disabilities pay for customized equipment like hearing aids.
Who is eligible for coverage?
A senior’s eligibility is based on their medical needs and is not based on income or age. To qualify for OHIP and/or ADP coverage, one must:
- Be an Ontario resident.
- Have a valid Ontario health card.
- Have a disability that requires a hearing aid for 6 months or longer.
To receive funding, a hearing device must be purchased through an ADP-authorized vendor to receive coverage.
What’s included in ADP or OHIP coverage?
The OHIP and ADP could cover up to 75% of hearing devices, such as:
- Hearing aids
- Frequency Modulation (FM) systems
- Cochlear implant speech processors
- Bone conduction hearing system processors
- Teletypewriters (TTY) for the deaf or visually impaired
Once your application is approved, OHIP will cover 75% of the cost of hearing aids up to a maximum amount of $500 per side and up to a maximum of $1,350 for FM systems.
While they will not cover the cost of damages, OHIP and ADP may help cover a portion of the cost needed to replace a device due to a person’s condition changing.
What’s not covered by OHIP?
OHIP and ADP does not cover:
- Batteries, hearing aid accessories or extended warranties.
- Full cost of high-end or cosmetic hearing aid models.
- Ongoing maintenance or private consultation fees not tied to ADP funding.
What are the alternative coverage options?
For a lot of seniors, they may have private insurance or retirement benefits that cover hearing devices. Those looking for alternative or additional coverage can look at sources like:
- Ontario Works
- Ontario Disability Support Program
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Local audiology clinics may offer financing or payment plans
We may be able to help cover part of the cost of your hearing aids. Sign in to check your coverage and see what options are available to you. If you don’t have workplace benefits, or you’ve recently lost them, then Freedom to Choose™ health and dental insurance could be a solution.
How do I access a hearing aid with provincial assistance?
To access a hearing aid, seniors should book a hearing assessment with an authorized provider. This will allow them to determine the severity with which you would need a hearing aid. If the provider says you are eligible, then the audiologist will help you apply for ADP and will walk you through the costs.
If you are applying through OHIP and ADP, you must choose a hearing aid from an approved vendor. Make sure you bring your health card with you to the appointment and be prepared for a co-payment or to pay for a portion of the hearing aid out-of-pocket.
How do I prepare for my application?
There can be a lot of confusion around how much coverage a senior will get. Remember to:
- Keep in mind that OHIP and ADP will only cover 75% of the cost of the hearing aid.
- Double check that everything is filled in correctly in your application and keep a record for yourself.
- Reach out to your provider if there are any delays.