Hearing Aids, Eye Exams and Glasses for People on Assistance — BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction: Subsidized, by phone. Who it's for: Hearing aids: people eligible for General Health Supplements (income or disability assistance), Healthy Kids (children under 19 in families….
Categories: Disability, Financial Aid, Health
If you get BC income assistance, disability assistance or hardship assistance, the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction (MSDPR) can help pay for hearing aids, eye exams and basic glasses. ▸ Hearing aids • The least expensive hearing aid that meets your need, plus repairs and supplies • Up to $2,000 per hearing aid. A new aid includes a 1-year supply of batteries. • Use a health authority hearing clinic if there is one, or a hospital audiology department. If not, see an audiologist or registered hearing instrument practitioner. You do not need a doctor's referral. • Your hearing provider contacts Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) to check if you qualify. The purchase must be approved first. • You get a 60-day trial. Replacement may be considered after 3 years. • Who: people eligible for General Health Supplements, children in Healthy Kids (families with MSP supplementary benefits), and some others. ▸ Eye exams and glasses • Adults 19 to 64 on income, disability or hardship assistance: a routine eye exam once every 2 years. (MSP covers routine exams for children and seniors.) • Basic glasses: one pair every 3 years for adults, or once a year for children. New lenses sooner if your prescription changes. • Bring BC government ID with your Personal Health Number. The eye doctor or optical store checks your coverage with PBC. • You pay any cost above the ministry's set rates. ▸ Good to know • You must use other coverage first, like private insurance, Veterans Affairs or WorkSafeBC. • If you are denied, you can ask for a reconsideration. Contact the ministry: 1-866-866-0800 (toll-free) or your local office. • Low-vision aids and vision therapy are not covered.
Also known as: MSDPR hearing aids, income assistance glasses, disability assistance eye exam, PWD hearing aid, General Health Supplements
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