|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quick Links
- Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART)
- Communication Facilitator
- Support Services Provider (SSP)
- ODHH Fact Sheets
Public Videophone
Available to Community Members
Outgoing Calls Only
9 am - 4 pm
Lobby Area
Blake West Building
4450 - 10th Ave
Lacey, WA
For your information...
Hearing Aid Consumers
Please click on document to see this information on wireless technology and hearing aids
Medicaid Coverage for Hearing Aids Starts January 1
Approved by the legislature last year, coverage of hearing aids for adults on Medicaid will begin January 1, 2019. The coverage limited, as it only restores coverage that existed before 2011, but it will give eligible adults some hearing aid coverage, where they have none at present. People with 45 db or more hearing loss in their better ears will be eligible for one hearing aid. This will be bundled with the hearing evaluation, ear mold and three follow-up visits to the provider. New hearing aids may be obtained every five years. Two hearing aids may be approved under certain circumstances and requires prior approval.
Cochlear Implant replacement and repair will also be covered and new CIs may be covered with prior approval. Batteries for hearing aids and CIs are not covered.
The WA Health Care Authority (HCA) is still developing the regulations for this coverage but will operate under interim "emergency" regulations until the final rules have gone through the internal review, public comment and adoption processes. HCA will have a comprehensive web site with information including
Contact: Jean Gowen, PA-C, MPH
Clinical Program Manager - Hearing Hardware Program
jean.gowen@hca.wa.gov
Did you know?
Interesting Reads of ASL and Deaf Culture
- Gallaudet President Roberta Cordano navigates through both worlds
- Gallaudet President Roberta Cordano makes a statement on early childhood language development
- Information about American Sign Language
Hearing Loss Information
People with hearing loss who are oral and do not sign are often left out of the opportunity to socialize as their local community centers and senior centers are not “hearing friendly.” That is, they often lack the technology or fail to use even basic amplification of their programs where people who are hard of hearing might participate. There is one place where we know that people with hearing loss can be welcomed and know that their communication needs can be met. This would be a local HLAA chapter meeting.
If you are interested in starting a local HLAA chapter or hearing loss support group in your area please contact info@hearingloss-wa.org and share your ideas. We’d love to hear from you.