Section 17-1737-78 - Hearing evaluations and devices(a) All hearing aid rentals, purchases, or repairs shall require medical approval by the department.(b) Persons requesting hearing aids shall have a hearing evaluation by a physician who is an ear, nose, and throat specialist who concurs with the need for a hearing aid.(c) The following conditions and limitations shall apply:(1) A hearing evaluation may be permissible every twelve months;(2) Hearing aids purchased by the medicaid program shall be of the unilateral type. Miniaturized or "all in the ear" hearing aids are excluded. Special models or modifications shall require justification with documentation of medical necessity;(3) Hearing aid purchase requests shall be approved initially for one month of rental at $25 per month to determine the appropriateness of the hearing aid;(4) Purchase of the hearing aid may be recommended based on the evaluation of the rental period of paragraph (1). A new authorization form shall be submitted showing the model and serial number of the hearing aid;(5) If the hearing aid purchase is not recommended, a factory reconditioning charge of no more than $50 may be paid when supported by a copy of the manufacturer's invoice;(6) Repair of hearing aids shall be itemized;(7) Hearing aid replacements may be purchased every two years with justification;(8) Ear plugs may be purchased for individuals with recurrent middle ear infections on recommendation by a physician who is an ear, nose and throat specialist. Only one set of ear plugs every twelve months shall be allowed; and(9) Insurance premiums to cover hearing aid losses or repair shall be a coverage only for children under twelve years of age.(d) Eligible children may be referred to the department of health for hearing evaluations and services.Haw. Code R. § 17-1737-78
[Eff 08/01/94] (Auth: HRS § 346-14) (Imp: 42 C.F.R. §§431.10, 440.110, 440.220 )