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PEB board adopts new hearing‑aid coverage policy effective Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The Public Employees Benefits Board rescinded a 2023 hearing‑aid resolution and adopted a new policy ensuring prescribed hearing instruments will be covered at 100% of the allowed amount every 36 months for most Uniform Medical Plans, with limited deductible exceptions for consumer‑directed plans.
The Public Employees Benefits Board voted to rescind its 2023 hearing‑aid resolution and adopt a new coverage policy that will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The new resolution states prescribed hearing instruments will be covered at 100% of the allowed amount every 36 months for members enrolled in UMP Classic, UMP Classic Medicare with Part D, and UMP Select; members in the UMP Consumer Directed Health Plan remain subject to the plan deductible.
Ryan Ramsdell, the UMP TPA team account manager, said Costco is not in‑network for hearing aids and that out‑of‑network benefits would require members to submit for reimbursement. He also clarified cochlear implants are covered separately through medical benefits and that the HTCC (Health Technology Clinical Committee) evaluates clinical caveats for devices such as bilateral cochlear implants. "Costco is not in network…Out of network benefits would apply," Ramsdell said during the presentation. The board rescinded the earlier resolution (PAB 20 23‑03) and adopted PEP 20 25‑06 in roll‑call votes.
Board members and staff said the policy is likely to evolve. Agency staff noted medical‑necessity appeals remain available for higher‑cost devices when established allowable amounts do not meet clinical needs. The board’s votes on the items were unanimous at the meeting; staff and presenters said they expect continued discussion on hearing‑aid policy in future board seasons.
