My problem with Obamacare

[frazzled]

23. FYI: Medicare does not cover hearing aids (or even hearing exams)

In general, Medicare does not cover routine hearing exams or hearing aids of any type. In some cases, diagnostic hearing exams are covered by Medicare Part B, but this is only when they are ordered by a doctor. If your hearing problem is due to a specific injury or disease—such as removal of a brain tumor or head injury—Medicare may cover the charges. Your doctor or hearing specialist will be able to explain which hearing exams are covered by Medicare, and the conditions for a diagnostic hearing exam.
You pay 100% of charges for routine hearing exams and hearing aids. If you are approved by your physician for a Medicare-covered diagnostic hearing exam, you pay 20% of the charges. You must pay your deductible for any Medicare Part B services and supplies before Medicare begins to pay its share. If a doctor, health care provider or supplier does not accept assignment, the amount you pay may be higher.

http://www.medicare.com/equipment-and-supplies/daily-living-aids/hearing-aids.html

I'm a bit of an expert on this, because I have a daughter (now 32) who is hearing impaired and has worn two hearing aids since her loss was diagnosed as a toddler. And my father (now 97) who suffered ear damage during World War II (an Army surgeon cut his eardrum) and now, due to age, is extremely hard of hearing. In the first case, we've never had insurance that has covered hearing aids, and such insurance is rarer than hen's teeth. It almost doesn't exist. In the latter case, my father finally, in his late 80s, was convinced to go to the VA: he was covered for hearing aids there, because it was due to a service-related injury. But Medicare, no. (Unfortunately, he hates them and hardly even ever wears them: to hard to get used to when you're old).

In both cases, the young and the old, this is really bad policy. Especially for the young. Many children go undiagnosed, and their entire education and thus future life and earning potential is affected. Hearing aids are mucho expensive--usually between $3,000 and $6,000 apiece. So, unlike eyeglasses, which can be bought relatively cheaply, access to this essential corrective device is outside of the reach of many people.