Funding Options for Hearing Aids and Services.

At Hear In, we believe everyone deserves access to quality hearing care regardless of their financial situation.

There are a number of different funding options and rebate programs that you may be eligible for to help cover the cost of your hearing aids and hearing services.

Our team will take the time to explain each program, confirm your eligibility, and handle most of the paperwork on your behalf.
Below is an overview of all available funding and rebate options in Australia.

1. Pensioner Assistance

If you’re a pensioner, you may be eligible for fully funded hearing services and hearing aids through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, administered by the Department of Health.

Eligible pensioners receive:
• A free comprehensive hearing assessment every five years
• Annual hearing reviews
• Fully or partially subsidised hearing aids and assistive listening devices (if needed)
• Ongoing maintenance and support

Hear In is a registered and authorised provider for these government-funded services.

If you’re unsure of your eligibility, you can check your eligibility through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing or simply contact us and we will confirm for you.

Please have your Pensioner Concession Card ready.

Learn more: Pensioner Assistance

2. Hearing Services Program (Department of Health)

You may be eligible for funding through the Hearing Services Program (HSP) if you fall into one of the following categories:

• Pensioner Concession Card holder
• DVA Gold or White Card holder (hearing-related conditions)
• Dependent of an eligible person
• Member of the Australian Defence Force
• Participant in the Disability Employment Services (DMS) program
• Receiving a Centrelink sick allowance
• NDIS participant referred by an NDIA planner

Specialised hearing services under the Community Service Obligations (CSO) are provided by Hearing Australia for the following people:

• Require specialist hearing services
• Individuals who live in remote areas
• Individuals who are under 26 years of age
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and either:
o Aged 50 years or over
o Take part in the Community Development Program (formerly know as the Remote Jobs and Communities Program and the Community Development Employment Projects Program)
o Took part in the Community Development Employment Projects Program from 30 June 2013 and received hearing services from Hearing Australia before you stopped participating

Learn more: Hearing Services Program

3. WorkCover Victoria Claims

We are an approved hearing services provider through WorkSave Victoria.

If you currently work (or previously worked) in a noisy environment and believe your hearing loss was caused by your job, you may be eligible for WorkCover funding.

This can include:
• Full coverage of hearing assessments and hearing aids
• Ongoing maintenance and support

Claims are typically made through your last place of noisy employment through the employers WorkSafe insurance agent. If you’ve already made a successful claim for hearing loss, your ongoing hearing services will be funded by the WorkSafe insurance agent.

Learn more: WorkCover Hearing Loss Claims

4. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)

If you hold a DVA Gold Card, White Card (hearing-related), or Pensioner Concession Card, you are eligible for fully funded hearing services through DVA. Veterans are also eligible for fully or partially funded hearing aids through the Hearing Services Program.

Additional support for DVA clients includes Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) such as:
• TV headsets
• FM systems and microphones
• Doorbells and smoke alarms for the hearing impaired
• Wireless streaming devices
• Tinnitus devices

DVA also provides tinnitus treatment programs and resources, such as The Veterans’ Guide to Better Hearing.

Any devices or treatments beyond those not fully subsidised by the Hearing Services Program or DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program must first receive funding approval from DVA prior to providing them, as DVA does not reimburse Veteran card holders after they have purchased hearing devices.

Learn more: DVA Funding

5. TAC Accredited Services

If you’ve suffered hearing loss as a result of a transport accident in Victoria, you may be eligible for TAC-funded hearing services and hearing aids.

Eligibility typically requires:
• A TAC claim number
• Referral from your doctor to an audiologist

TAC may pay Hear In directly or reimburse you for approved services.

Learn more: TAC Accredited Services

6. ComCare Claims

If your hearing loss occurred while employed by an Australian Government agency or a self-insured statutory authority, you may be eligible for ComCare-funded hearing services.

This includes fully subsidised hearing assessments and hearing aids for approved claimants.

Learn more: ComCare Claims

7. NDIS Support

The NDIS funds hearing services for participants aged 26 and over who are not eligible under the Hearing Services Program.

NDIS Funding can cover:
• Hearing assessments and appointments
• Hearing aids
• Other necessary hearing supports

Applicants will need to undergo a hearing test and complete a formal NDIS application process, which may take several months.

Learn more: NDIS Support

8. MyAgedCare Plans

If you’re over 65 and receiving a MyAgedCare Home Care package, you may be able to use your funding for hearing devices and accessories.

These plans are designed to help Australians continue living independently at home with access to the care they need.

Learn more: MyAgedCare Plans

9. Medicare Rebates

You can receive a Medicare rebate for a hearing assessment so long as you have a written referral from your GP. Please note, we do not bulk-bill.

Also, if you have a chronic hearing condition, your GP can place you on an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) Plan. This entitles you to up to five subsidised allied health appointments per year.

Please note, only registered audiologists can deliver these services if you are wanting to claim a rebate through Medicare.

At Hear In, we can issue Medicare rebates on the spot using our terminals as long as you have your Medicare and debit card with you.

Learn more: Medicare Rebates

10. Private Health Insurance (HICAPS)

If you have extras cover with your private health insurer, you may be entitled to rebates on hearing services and hearing aids.

Please note, you will need to contact your private health insurer to find out if you are eligible. Most insurers will only cover the cost of hearing aids (not hearing services).

In relation to hearing aids, most insurers allow you to claim every three years.

Learn more: Private Health Insurance

11. Insuring Your Hearing Aids

Most insurance providers allow you to add your hearing aids to your home and contents insurance for loss or theft coverage.

Hear In can assist by providing itemised invoices and replacement quotes for insurance claims.

Learn more: Insuring Your Hearing Aids

12. Self-Funded Individuals

If you’re not eligible for any of the above programs, we’ll provide a transparent quote.

Our team will always work within your budget to recommend the best solution for your needs.

Learn more: Self-Funded Clients

Ready to Get Started?

Funding can be confusing but we’re here to help.

Contact us at Hear In Karingal or Hear In Cranbourne, and our friendly team will discuss and recommend the best funding path for you.

Start your journey to better hearing today.

Questions?

Talk to our friendly team.