BE CAREFUL WHO YOU DEAL WITH!!!
Most Medicaid hearing aid providers will help you get your benefits in an honest and ethical manner. Unfortunately there always seem to be some “bad apples” that don’t follow the rules. Here are some of the things we have come across while trying to help Medicaid recipients use their benefits. Don’t let the “bad apples” keep you from getting your benefits!
Common situations to watch out for!
The provider does a hearing test, bills Medicaid for hearing aids, and never delivers the hearing aids to the person.
This is FRAUD and should be reported to the Office of Inspector General at
800-436-6184.
The provider does a hearing test and bills Medicaid before delivering the hearing aids.
This is against the rules. Providers are not allowed to bill Medicaid until AFTER they have provided the products and services. If you find out your benefits were billed before you receive your hearing aids, you can refuse to take the hearing aids and tell the provider you want your Medicaid benefits credited back so you can find another provider. Some “bad apples” are making people wait months for their hearing aids – after they’ve already been paid by Medicaid.
The provider offers to come to your home to test you and fit your hearing aids.
This is only allowed if a Medical Doctor puts in writing that you are unable to travel. Be very suspicious if a provider tries to come into your home to test you or fit hearing aids unless you are mobility impaired. If they are willing to break the rules before you have even been tested, how much can you trust them?
Other Things to Consider
Where is their office located? Medicaid provided hearing aids come with a manufacturer’s warranty. Where do you take your hearing aid if it needs service? Some providers roam from town to town doing Medicaid fittings, and then they are gone, possibly leaving you stuck if you need service. One provider is handing out business cards showing they have an “office” in Houston, but if you go to that address it is a private mailbox center – not an office!
How long have they been in business in your city? If they have been in business locally for some time the odds are probably better that they will be around when you need them.
Do they also fit private-pay hearing aids? If they don’t then they are specifically targeting Medicaid recipients only. While not illegal, you might want to consider whether they will still be around when they have fit all the Medicaid folks they can find. Businesses that also have cash paying customers are probably more likely to be around longer.
Where Should I Go To Get My Medicaid Hearing Aids?
If you are in the Houston, Dallas or Austin areas, go to
Why Hearing Aid Express?
- Registered provider with TMHP (Texas Medicaid Healthcare Partnership)
- Accredited Member, Better Business Bureau – A+ Rating (click here for the BBB report)
Click on the logo to see list of locations:
