My struggle to hear, What I'm facing with Medicaid, and Hearing Aid access.

Lately, I’ve been running into a lot of roadblocks when it comes to finding help with something that many of us take for granted—the ability to hear clearly. I haven’t posted in a while, but after all the phone calls, the back-and-forths, and the confusion I’ve been facing, I think it’s time to speak out and share my experience in hopes it helps someone else—or even sparks the attention of the people who can change things.

Here’s what’s been going on.

As someone who lives with a disability and relies on Medicaid, I assumed that hearing aids—something medically necessary for many of us—would be covered, especially if they needed to be replaced or repaired. But after making calls and speaking to different places, I was told that Medicaid does not cover hearing aids unless I have a supplemental plan or additional insurance.

Can you imagine what it’s like to need a tool that helps you live safely, communicate better, and engage with the world around you—only to be told you can’t get it because your insurance won’t cover it? It’s frustrating. It’s exhausting. And it’s unfair.

I tried contacting several organizations and service providers, hoping for some kind of assistance. Most either don’t work with Medicaid, or they tell me I’ll need to pay out of pocket—which many of us simply cannot afford. And when you live in a state that doesn’t have the same support as another one you may have come from (like I did when I moved from New Jersey), you start to feel like you’re slipping through the cracks.

In New Jersey, it wasn’t like this. My hearing aids were covered before. But now? It’s a whole different story.

To make things even more confusing, I was told there might be help if I get some kind of "supplement," but no one could really tell me what kind of supplement or how to apply for it. I’m not asking for anything extra. I’m just asking for the basic support to live my life with dignity.

This post isn’t just to vent—it’s a call to action. If you’re reading this and you know of any resources, organizations, or programs that help people on Medicaid get hearing aids (or help cover repairs), please share them with me. And if you’re someone who works in policy or health care—please hear me out. People like me are falling through the cracks, and it doesn’t have to be this way.

We all deserve access to the tools that help us live. Hearing aids aren’t a luxury. They’re a necessity.

Thank you for reading and for standing with me. Let’s keep the conversation going. 💬

    

 

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