Employees and possibly family members can receive discounted hearing aid devices

A picture of hearing aidsThe State of Indiana has established a process where state employees and their family members can obtain hearing aids at a reduced rate from our six (6) manufacturers which are GN Resound, Sonova (Phonak & Unitron), Oticon, Signia, Starkey and Widex. Covered participants are defined by each manufacturer.  The employee selects a hearing aid dispenser in Indiana to obtain all diagnostics, hearing aid recommendations and negotiates a dispensing fee. Once the state has verified eligibility and placed the order, the state is no longer involved in the transaction. The manufacturer sends the hearing aids to the Indiana dispenser for dispensing. The employee pays the manufacturer or dispenser for the hearing aids and pays the dispenser the agreed dispensing fee. This program is only available in Indiana and must be dispensed by an Indiana dispenser.

This page may be printed and shared with the dispenser.  For any questions or comments please contact Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (DHHS) at DHHSHELP@fssa.in.gov

A step by step process to obtain discounted hearing aid devices:

1. The employee must obtain all diagnostics and hearing aid recommendations on their own with their personal insurance or by self-pay.  The state does not provide recommendations for a dispenser.   

2. Once the employee has the diagnostics and hearing aid recommendation the employee must submit a request to DHHS:

a. Scan and e-mail the information received from the dispenser to DHHSHELP@fssa.in.gov or FAX the information to 317-232-6478 (subject line: State Hearing Aid Discount Program) and

b. Send an e-mail (subject line: State Hearing Aid Discount Program) to DHHSHELP@fssa.in.gov from the state employee’s work e-mail address.

The e-mail must contain employee’s name, position, relationship of the person to the employee needing the hearing aids, name of person to receive the hearing aids if not the employee, list hearing aid manufacturer, the hearing aid model, any hearing aid features you are requesting, and your dispenser’s contact information (name, address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address).

i. The state employee must negotiate with their selected dispenser for a mutually agreed upon dispensing fee. These fees vary depending on the dispenser and may or may not include the cost of programming the aids, ear molds and training on the use of the aids.  Be sure you understand the services covered under the dispensing fee.  

3. DHHS reviews the information provided and, if program eligibility is met, contacts the manufacturer to start the process providing them with the basic information including eligibility for discounted hearing aids and the specific aids requested.

a. The manufacturer provides DHHS with the discounted price for that specific equipment.

b. DHHS e-mails pricing information to employee. 

c. If the employee replies to DHHS e-mail confirming they want to purchase the equipment, DHHS will notify the manufacturer via email and adds the employee to the e-mail communication.  This is the final involvement of DHHS. 

d. Employee, manufacturer and dispenser correspond with each other. DHHS is no longer involved.

4. The state employee is responsible for all costs associated with the hearing aids and the agreed dispensing fee. Payment options can be done with your insurance coverage, HSA (Health Saving Accounts), out of pocket pay, or use the financial plan under care credit (www.carecredit.com) that offers at any dispenser’s office.

5. Payment arrangements for the discounted hearing aids must be discussed between state employee and selected dispenser.  The manufacturer will bill the dispenser the discounted rate for hearing aids.

6. The manufacturer mails the hearing aids, with the discounted invoice, to the selected dispenser.

7. Employee goes to the dispenser to receive the aids and pays the discounted price for the hearing aids.

Attention Dispensers
The State of Indiana has established a process where state employees and their immediate family members can obtain hearing aids at a reduced rate from our six (6) manufacturers which are GN Resound, Sonova (Phonak & Unitron), Oticon, Signia, Starkey and Widex. The manufacturer sends the identified aids to the dispenser for dispensing and the employee pays the dispenser the agreed dispensing fee plus the discounted hearing aid cost. Once the state has verified employment and placed the order the state is no longer involved with the transaction. Finalizing the transaction and payment arrangements for the hearing aids and dispensing fees is between the employee, manufacturer and the dispenser.
–    The employee must obtain all diagnostics and hearing aid recommendations on their own with their personal insurance or by self-pay.
–    Once the employee has the diagnostics and hearing aid recommendation, the state conducts an internal process with our manufacturers to order the hearing aids.

Additional details for covered participants

GN Resound
GN Resound offers the state hearing aid discount program to state employees and his/her immediate family defined as spouse and children.   

Sonova (Phonak & Unitron)
Phonak & Unitron offers the state hearing aid discount program to Vocational Rehab Counselors and his/her immediate family defined as of husband, wife and child.      

Oticon
Oticon offers the state hearing aid discount program to state employees and their immediate family member defined as spouse, partner and children.      

Signia
Signia offers the state hearing aid discount program to state employees and the following family members – Children, Spouse, Domestic Partner, Parents, Grandparents, Aunt/Uncle and In-Laws.   

Starkey
Starkey offers the state hearing aid discount program to state employees only, not relatives. 

Widex
Widex offers the state hearing aid discount program to state employees only and their immediate family member (husband, wife and children).