Support Karolyne's Journey to Better Hearing
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Hi! I'm Karolyne, and I have had a mild hearing loss my whole life. Only in recent years has it shifted from "mild" to "moderate to severe" depending on the range.
The audiologist and ENT both recommend I get hearing aids, but MaineCare (Maine's version of Medicaid) will only pay for one. After extensively looking with the audiologist at the various options and the unique struggles with my particular hearing and easily-inflamed ear canals, we have settled on what we think will be the most beneficial option for me, and most likely to be one my ears can tolerate, but they cost $2100 per hearing aid.
Because of bureaucratic red tape nonsense, I cannot order both hearing aids at the same time or MaineCare will reject even paying for one. I am currently in the process of getting the first hearing aid through MaineCare, as long as they approve it. That first one is for my left ear, which is the worse ear. This is the order of events to come:
- We are presently waiting for MaineCare to (hopefully) approve the cost of one hearing aid. When that happens, the audiologist will place the order for the one hearing aid.
- When the hearing aid comes in, I will travel down (it's an hour and a half away) to have it fitted and programmed.
- At some point (either after MaineCare approves the first one, or after it has come in, I am currently unclear on which) I can request the second hearing aid.
- For some reason that I absolutely do not understand, they have to submit the request for a second hearing aid to MaineCare, even though we know they'll reject it. It has to "officially" be rejected before I can sign a paper saying that I understand I am responsible for the costs
- I will make a separate trip down to have that hearing aid fitted and programmed.
- After each fitting/programmming, I will have to make another trip for a follow-up in case of needing any adjustments.
If I am able to raise enough to cover more than the cost of the second hearing aid, that excess will go toward related expenses included (but not limited to) gas or childcare.
BONUS POINTS: There is a bill in the Maine state legislature right now to change it so MaineCare will pay for both hearing aids. That bill has just recently (within the past month, I believe) gotten through committee and is being prepared to be presented on the floor, according to my audiologist. If you're a Maine citizen, please consider writing to your representatives to support this bill.
Organizer
Karolyne Sloma
Organizer
Wilton, ME