Hearing Aid Coverage

The health insurance plans include hearing aid coverage for those enrolled in the group health insurance. If you choose not to enroll in one of the health plans, a hearing aid benefit may still be available unless you took a deferred retirement and have less than 21 years of service. 

Only one claim every 36 months is permitted, regardless of the number of hearing aids (one or two) purchased. 

You will be reimbursed for 90 percent of the lesser of (1) the provider charge; or (2) the approved amount as determined by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Exams and tests are not covered.

Requesting hearing aid reimbursement.

If you are enrolled in the health plan. If you are enrolled in the plan health insurance, BCBSM or your Health Maintenance Organization will process your hearing aid claims. Please follow your carrier's procedure for hearing aid reimbursement.

If you are not enrolled in the health plan. If you have chosen not to enroll in the plan health insurance, ORS will process your hearing aid claim. Follow these instructions to request reimbursement from ORS:

1. Ask your provider to provide the following information, preferably on a Blue Cross/Blue Shield Hearing Aid Claim form:

• Name and address of the provider
• Dealer federal tax identification number
• Total charge 
• Dealer acquisition cost
• Description of hearing aid(s), including device number
• Date of service (dispensing date)
• Name of person for whom the hearing aid(s) was prescribed
• His/her date of birth
• Relationship of the person to the pension recipient
• Social security number of the pension recipient

2. Mail your claim/bill to: 

Office of Retirement Services
ATTN: Hearing Aid Department
P. O. Box 30171
Lansing, MI 48909-7671