This benefit is exempt from the medical deductible, and includes the following services and supplies:

Hearing Exams (Routine)

One routine hearing exam is covered per calendar year. When you see a network ­provider, these services are paid at 100% of the allowed amount. However, if you see a non-network provider, services are paid at the non-network rate (60% of the allowed amount).

Hearing Aids

The plan pays up to $800 per member every three calendar years for:

• Purchase of a hearing aid (monaural or binaural) prescribed as a result of an exam, including:
  • Ear mold(s).
  • Hearing aid instrument.
  • Initial battery, cords, and other ancillary equipment.
  • Warranty and follow-up consultation within 30 days after delivery of hearing aid.
• Rental charges up to 30 days, if you return the hearing aid before actual purchase.
• Repair of hearing aid equipment.

You can see any provider for these services; the maximum benefit of $800 applies no matter where you shop.

Hearing Aid Items Not Covered

The following hearing-related items are not covered:

• Charges incurred after your coverage under this plan ends, unless you ordered the hearing aid before that date and it is delivered within 45 days after your coverage ended.
• Purchase of replacement batteries or other ancillary equipment, except those covered under terms of the initial hearing aid purchase.