Hearing aid coverage and laws in Arkansas

Arkansas at a glance

Does Arkansas Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Arkansas Medicaid covers hearing aids for children, not adults. Under 21 only. ^[1]

Children and young adults under 21 are a different case. Medicaid's EPSDT benefit requires states to cover the care they need, which includes hearing aids. ^[7]

If you get Medicaid through a managed care plan, ask the plan how hearing aid approvals work and which providers it uses. Our state-by-state Medicaid guide explains how the benefit usually works.

Does Arkansas require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Arkansas requires state-regulated health plans to cover hearing aids for adults. Who's covered: all ages. At least $1,400 per ear every 3 years. Insurers must offer it; the employer or policyholder can decline it. ^[2]

The rule applies to plans issued or renewed from 2010. Your benefit starts when your plan renews.

State mandates only reach fully insured plans, the kind bought from an insurance company. Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA law instead, so a state mandate may not apply to your job's plan. ^[9] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

Arkansas hearing aid trial period and return rights

We found no Arkansas law requiring a hearing aid trial period, so get the return terms in writing. ^[3]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[10] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[11] Whatever the law, put the trial length, fees and warranty on the purchase agreement.

Over-the-counter hearing aids follow federal rules: the maker must print its return policy on the package, or say it has none. ^[12]

Free amplified and captioned phones in Arkansas

Telecommunication Access Program (TAP). Amplified phones and signalers for Arkansas residents with phone service and a certified disability. Free if income is $50,000 a year or less; shared cost above that. ^[4]

These programs are separate from hearing aid coverage. They can help even if you already wear hearing aids.

Who licenses hearing care providers in Arkansas

• Arkansas Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology: audiologists ^[5]
• Arkansas State Board of Hearing Instrument Dispensers: hearing aid dispensers ^[6]

Use the board to check that a provider's license is current, or to file a complaint about a sale or a refund.

Other ways to pay for hearing aids in Arkansas

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[13] Some Medicare Advantage plans add a hearing benefit, usually through a network. See Medicare and hearing aids and how Medicare Advantage hearing networks work.
• VA. Eligible veterans can get hearing aids through VA health care. ^[14] See hearing aids through the VA.
• Lower-cost options. OTC hearing aids, warehouse clubs, nonprofit programs and university clinics. See free and low-cost hearing aids and what hearing aids cost.
• Estimate your cost. The hearing aid cost estimator combines these Arkansas rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Arkansas

The directory lists 158 hearing care providers in Arkansas, with 148 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Arkansas has 3.7 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #42 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Little Rock, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Conway, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, North Little Rock, Harrison, Searcy, Springdale. Or browse every Arkansas hearing clinic.