Hearing aids are in turn concerned with 100% Health, after corrective glasses and dental prostheses. Patients can now benefit from quality equipment, without paying.
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This is good news for people who need devices to hear well. Good quality hearing aids are now 100% free since 1is January 2021. This provision is planned as part of the 100% Health reform, after corrective glasses and dental prostheses. It therefore guarantees patients to be able to equip themselves with quality devices, without any additional costs. The UFC-Que Choisir precise that the social insureds who have responsible complementary health are concerned, ie 95% of the market, as well as those who have complementary solidarity health.
Six million French people suffer from hearing problems, according to the General Inspectorate of Social Affairs (Igas), and half were not equipped because of the cost of hearing aids. Thus, the amount of the remainder to charge had been quantified by the Ministry of Health at 800 euros on average for each ear, an exorbitant cost for the association for the defense of consumers. From this 1is January 2021, all hearing care professionals must offer a range of identified devices “Class 1”. Their price is capped at 950 euros. Social security and complementary health insurance cover the entire amount. The UFC-Que Choisir association has tested these devices and affirms that these 100% reimbursed prostheses are of a quality equivalent to the more expensive models.
Reimbursement capped at 1,700 euros for more expensive prostheses
In addition, all types of models are concerned: from the classic earhook to more discreet prostheses, that is to say the earhooks with remote and in-ear headphones. The UFC-Que Chooser also specifies that these hearing aids that are 100% supported must meet precise specifications. Affected patients can test the product for a minimum of 30 days and it is guaranteed for four years with the same benefits as high-end products. The 100% Health reform also concerns prostheses of “Class 2”: their reimbursement was capped at 1,700 euros per ear. The remainder can still be important since the prices can reach 2,000 euros per ear, according to the association.
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