Welcome to another episode of The Flex Audiology Show! This week, we’re talking about a couple updates that we’ve heard from United Healthcare Insurance and United Healthcare Hearing. I know it’s a bit confusing, but these are two separate entities.
Our team navigates insurance policies daily, and while it can be difficult to keep up with changing policies, our goal is always to help you get the most out of your insurance. When patients call our office to schedule an appointment, they usually give us their insurance information so that we can check their benefits. United Healthcare Insurance is a major provider that we see often. Let’s dive into some updates about this provider.
United Healthcare Insurance and Hearing Aid Benefits
If you have a hearing aid benefit through United Healthcare Insurance, sometimes that benefit can only be utilized if you work with a provider within the United Healthcare Hearing network.
We are noticing that in 2024, when running the insurance benefits for a patient under United Healthcare Insurance, we see that the patient has a copay option. Typically, there are four or five different tier levels beginning at a $99 copay for a basic hearing aid. Now, the problem is that this benefit is only available through United Healthcare Hearing.
So, be aware that if you have this tier-one plan, you might not have access to hearing aids that are less than $200. I suppose the adage “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is” applies here.
United Healthcare Hearing and Oticon
We have recently learned that if you are in a managed care network, you will no longer have access to premium hearing aids from Oticon. Oticon has put out a press release stating that they will no longer be putting their premium technology on a managed care plan. So, what does that mean for you?
Well, the devices that United Healthcare Hearing are recording as their premium hearing aids are really a second tier down from Oticon. They’re still great hearing aids, which is a nice benefit. But while United Healthcare Hearing states that they are the best technology out there, that’s simply not valid.
At Flex Audiology, we are committed to providing you with flexible options based on your preferences. If you do want Oticon devices, you will need to look beyond your managed care program. To be clear, this only applies to folks on a managed care plan. We are here to answer any questions you have about this.
Local Business Spotlight
We have a new bakery right down the street, which is both exciting and dangerous! Simply Sweet Bakery and Coffee has quickly become one of the favorites in our office. We sure do love our donuts, and these donuts are so unique!
If you love a sweet and savory combination, I recommend that you try the maple bacon donut. My son isn’t a big fan of cake this year, so they are going to make us some donuts for his birthday instead. Simply Sweet Bakery and Coffee also offers delicious cookies, scones, and apple fritters, which are my personal favorite.
Be sure to stop in next time you’re in the area – everyone deserves a donut!
Where to Find More Information
Insurance can be tough to navigate, which is why we process the information so you can spend less time worrying about it. Our website features a dedicated page that breaks down insurance information into terms everyone can understand.
Call us anytime with questions about your hearing health or if you have a favorite local business that deserves a shout-out on the next episode of The Flex Audiology Show.
