Adult hearing benefit

Thanks to the 2018 Legislature, Apple Health (Medicaid) will restore hearing aid coverage for adults with hearing loss of 45 decibels or more in their better ears (children already have coverage). Cochlear implants, replacement and repair will also be covered.

Clients age 21 and older who meet specific hearing loss criteria may be eligible for the following:

• • One hearing aid every five years.

• • A second hearing aid when specific criteria are met.

• • Repair and replacement of hearing aids.

• • Hearing aid related services and supplies.

• Repairs to external components of cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA) devices.

For more information, visit this HCA adult hearing benefit webpage, which will be regularly updated.

COFA Islander Health Care

Low-income Compact of Free Association (COFA) Islanders from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau who are enrolled in silver-level Qualified Health Plans in the Washington Health Benefit Exchange will qualify for wraparound coverage from the Health Care Authority (premiums and cost-sharing). The Health Care Authority (HCA) will pay the monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expense for COFA Islanders starting January 1, 2019.

You may be eligible for COFA Islander Health Care if you:

• • Are a COFA islander.

• • Have income less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL).

• • Live in Washington.

• • Enroll into a silver level qualified health plan.

• • Agree to file federal taxes (even if you do not meet tax filing requirements).
  • Not receiving other federal or state medical coverage.