08/30/2012 | 08:35am US/Eastern
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High-tech, custom-programmed hearing aids available for as low
as $ 479 each, providing plan participants a deep discount compared to
typical competitor prices
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Hearing aids available to more than 26 million UnitedHealthcare
employer-sponsored and individual plan participants
as $ 479 each, providing plan participants a deep discount compared to
typical competitor prices
employer-sponsored and individual plan participants
High-tech, custom-programmed hearing aids are now available at
affordable prices to the more than 26 million people enrolled in
UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored and individual health benefit plans.
Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, but the new discount program
enables UnitedHealthcare plan participants to purchase hearing aids
starting at only $ 479 each. The discount program is an expansion
of an affordable hearing aid benefit that UnitedHealthcare Medicare
Advantage and Part D plan members already enjoy, with some of those
members paying no out-of-pocket costs for the devices. Retail consumers
can pay $ 749 to $ 949 per device, which also represents a deep discount
compared to most competitor prices.
The hearing aids are being provided through a collaboration with hi
HealthInnovations, an Optum business and UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:
UNH) company. Plan participants and consumers interested in purchasing
an affordable hearing aid should ask a health care provider, including
primary care physicians, audiologists or hi HealthInnovations
hearing professionals, for a hearing test. The test results (an
audiogram) can then be submitted online at www.hiHealthInnovations.com.
Many consumers can have the device sent directly to their residence.
Hearing loss affects one in five Americans ages 12 and older. While 90
percent of people with hearing loss can benefit from hearing aids, fewer
than 20 percent currently use them, according to the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services. Often, the high cost of most hearing aids is
a barrier for consumers to use them.
“Cost is a significant barrier for millions of Americans suffering from
hearing loss, and this new discount will help make hearing aids more
accessible and affordable for more people nationwide,” said Sam Ho,
M.D., chief medical officer of UnitedHealthcare. “Hearing health plays a
critical role in people’s overall health and well-being. Untreated
hearing loss can affect a person’s ability to stay connected to friends
and family, contributing to social isolation, depression and lower
income.”
hi HealthInnovations‘ hearing aids use advanced technology to
enhance speech understanding and listening comfort. Each hearing aid is
custom-programmed to a user’s specific hearing needs based on his or her
hearing test results. Every hearing test result and hearing aid order is
reviewed by a licensed hearing professional to determine suitability.
hi HealthInnovations hearing professionals are available in many
cities around the country, offering hearing health seminars in local
communities and offering education and aural rehabilitation services in
person, over the phone or online. Customers may attend new-user seminars
on topics such as effective communication strategies, and access online
captioned training videos about how to use, clean and maintain hearing
aids.
“Consumers and employers are looking for options that make hearing aids
more affordable and accessible, so this collaboration with
UnitedHealthcare will help address millions of Americans’ hearing
needs,” said Lisa Tseng, M.D., CEO of hi HealthInnovations.
Consumers can access hearing testing through a hi HealthInnovations hearing
professional or other health care providers. hi HealthInnovations
encourages customers to seek care from hearing health professionals such
as audiologists and ear nose and throat doctors in their communities.
For more information on product and pricing visit: hihealthinnovations.com.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare
is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by
simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and
wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care
providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit
programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid
beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 650,000 physicians
and care professionals and 5,000 hospitals nationwide. UnitedHealthcare
serves more than 38 million people and is one of the businesses of
UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and
well-being company.
About UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth
Group (NYSE: UNH) is a diversified health and well-being company
dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making health care
work better. With headquarters in Minnetonka, Minn., UnitedHealth Group
offers a broad spectrum of products and services through two distinct
platforms: UnitedHealthcare, which provides health care coverage and
benefits services; and Optum, which provides information and
technology-enabled health services. Through its businesses, UnitedHealth
Group serves more than 75 million people worldwide. Visit UnitedHealth
Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com
for more information.
UnitedHealthcare
Will Shanley, 714-204-8005
[email protected]