Hearing aid coverage and laws in Kansas

Kansas at a glance

Does Kansas Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Kansas Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Usually one aid for adults, two in listed cases; replacement once every 4 years with prior authorization. ^[1]

The official source sets hearing aid rules without an age limit rather than naming adults outright.

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. ^[8]

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 Kansas require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Kansas has no law requiring private health plans to cover hearing aids. ^[2][3]

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. ^[10] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

Kansas hearing aid trial period and return rights

We found no Kansas law requiring a hearing aid trial period, so get the return terms in writing. ^[4]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[11] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[12] 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. ^[13]

Free amplified and captioned phones in Kansas

Kansas Telecommunications Access Program (KS TAP). Free captioned phones, amplified phones and other equipment for Kansans with phone service, household income under $55,000, and trouble hearing, seeing, speaking or holding a phone. ^[5]

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

Who licenses hearing care providers in Kansas

• Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Health Occupations Credentialing: audiologists ^[6]
• Kansas Board of Examiners in Fitting and Dispensing of Hearing Instruments: hearing aid dispensers ^[7]

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 Kansas

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[14] 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. ^[15] 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 Kansas rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Kansas

The directory lists 161 hearing care providers in Kansas, with 128 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Kansas has 4.6 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #25 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Overland Park, Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, Olathe, Lawrence, Hays, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Chanute. Or browse every Kansas hearing clinic.