Hearing Aid Distribution Program

PURPOSE: This rule establishes the Missouri Hearing Aid Distribution Program and sets forth the requirements for qualifying for assistance in the purchase of a hearing aid. (1) “Applicant” means any individual applying for assistance from the Hearing Aid Distribution Program (HADP) for the purchase of a hearing aid(s). (2) “Hearing aid” shall include any wearable device or instrument designed for or offered for the purpose of aiding or compensating for human hearing loss and that can provide more than fifteen decibel (15 dB) full-on gain via a two (2) cc coupler at any single frequency from two hundred (200) through six thousand (6000) cycles per second, and any parts, attachments, or accessories, including earmold, but excluding batteries, cords, receivers, and repairs. “Hearing aid” shall not include cochlear implants, Baha system/device, services or equipment used in therapy, or medical supplies, that are not available through the HADP program. (3) An applicant may only be awarded hearing aid(s) one (1) time during a period of three (3) program years (July–June). The HADP shall be invoiced by a licensed Missouri hearing aid vendor who may be reimbursed for actual costs up to three thousand nine hundred dollars ($3,900) per pair, or one thousand nine hundred fifty dollars ($1950) for one (1) hearing aid. Funding is available only for any portion of the cost of a hearing aid(s) that is not the responsibility of, or covered by, another agency or entity (i.e. private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, etc.). (4) To qualify for assistance from the HADP, an applicant must— (A) Submit the completed application on the form provided by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH) with all financial and audiogram sections/questions completed, in addition to including all required documentation requested in these sections; (B) Submit with and at the time of application, an audiogram assessment performed by either a physician licensed under Chapter 334, RSMo, an audiologist licensed under Chapter 345, RSMo, or a hearing instrument specialist licensed under Chapter 346, RSMo, within six (6) months of the application establishing the need for a hearing aid, including written verification and audiogram by the licensed professional; (C) Submit all income documentation establishing that the applicant’s household income is at or below one hundred percent (100%) of the current federal poverty guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including but not limited to federal income tax returns, paycheck stubs summarizing the full income from the source for the year, W-2s, evidence of job loss, and/or a benefit letter. For purposes of calculating the federal poverty level, “persons in family/household” shall be equal to the number of taxpayers and dependents within which the applicant is included. If the applicant is not required to file a federal tax return, does not file a federal tax return, and is not named as a dependent on the federal tax return of another, the “persons in family/household” shall be one (1). The household income of the applicant shall be equal to the sum of 1) the combined adjusted gross income of the household members as found on their federal income tax return(s) for the prior year and 2) any other untaxed income (before withholdings) not reported in a federal tax return, such as wages, salaries, tips, unemployment, severance, disability, lottery, maintenance or alimony, social security benefits, and any untaxed income, as well as child support payments over three hundred dollars ($300) per child for any applicant should be included. If income has been significantly reduced during the current year, documentation of such may be submitted for consideration. The applicant may also submit for consideration proof of all out-of-pocket medical expenses or financial losses affecting the household’s financial position, including medical, job loss, or other financial loss that can be documented; (D) A written quote from the Missouri licensed hearing aid vendor selected by the applicant shall be provided with the completed HADP application and shall include all costs for the hearing aid(s) including: any future follow up visits, cleanings, follow up tests, a minimum one- (1-) year warranty and thirty- (30-) day trial period, as well as how wear items will be covered (including parts and labor). The quote must be completed by the licensed vendor in Missouri and included with the application; and (E) Submit adequate evidence demonstrating residency for at least one (1) year within the state of Missouri. (5) Payment will not be made until the approved, signed “Purchase Agreement” and Invoice are submitted to MCDHH following the successful thirty- (30-) day trial period. The purchase agreement must outline the items detailed in this section, including warranty, make/model and serial number of the hearing aids, and how the hearing aid(s) can be stored and maintained appropriately. MCDHH reserves the right to refuse or reduce payment if MCDHH determines that price charged is not reasonable and consistent in light of fair market value. (6) Priority will be given to those establishing the greatest need based on hearing loss and income. (7) No applications will be accepted electronically, including, but not limited to, fax or email. The application and other supporting documentation shall be submitted to— HADP Program Manager MCDHH 3216 Emerald Lane, Suite B Jefferson City, MO 65109 AUTHORITY: section 209.245, RSMo Supp. 2019.* Original rule filed Nov. 14, 2019, effective May 30, 2020. Original authority: 209.245, RSMo 2019.