Cost and coverage
Employer and Union Hearing Aid Benefits in Westchester
Use a work or union hearing aid benefit in Westchester? See how Empire Plan (NYSHIP), UFT and Aetna benefits work. Call us and our biller will check yours.
Read time: 4 min read
Can you use an Empire Plan, UFT or Aetna hearing aid benefit with Audiology Associates of Westchester? Please call us before you book. Our biller can check the benefits of any plan for you. We do not say on this page that we are in network with any plan. This page explains how these three benefits work, as of October 2026, so you know what to ask.
A hearing aid benefit comes from your employer or your union. It is not the same as general health insurance. Two people in the same office can have different hearing aid benefits. The rules are in your own plan documents, so we use named plans below only as examples.
“Named plans on this page are examples. Your own plan document decides what you get.”
How the benefit works
Most work and union hearing aid benefits do one of two things. Some pay a set dollar amount toward hearing aids on a fixed schedule, such as once every few years. Some cover hearing aids as one of many services, with limits. In both cases, ask three things. How much does the plan pay? How often can I use it? Do I pay first and send in a claim, or does the provider bill the plan?
| Plan | What its own pages say | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Empire Plan (NYSHIP) | Hearing aids are listed as an other covered service, with limitations | The amount and time limit in your plan document |
| UFT Welfare Fund | Reimburses up to $4,000 every three years, or the cost if less | Claim deadline and receipt rules |
| Aetna employer plans | Most plans exclude hearing aids | Your benefit plan description |
Empire Plan (NYSHIP)
The Empire Plan is the main health plan of the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP). It is for New York State employees, retirees and their dependents. The 2026 Empire Plan summary of benefits lists hearing aids under other covered services and says limitations may apply. It sends you to your plan document for the details. It does not give a dollar amount or a time limit in the summary. For the amount that applies to you, read your plan document or call NYSHIP at 1-877-769-7447. Benefits can differ by bargaining unit and by program, so do not rely on what a co-worker was told.
UFT Welfare Fund
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) Welfare Fund is for UFT-represented employees and their dependents. The UFT website says the fund reimburses up to $4,000 for hearing aids every three years, or the cost of the hearing aids if that is less. The UFT describes this as direct reimbursement. You pay the full cost first and then send a claim to the fund. The UFT also keeps its own preferred provider list with discounts. We do not say here whether any provider is on that list. Ask the UFT Welfare Fund how the list affects your claim.
Aetna and other employer plans
Aetna coverage depends on the employer that bought the plan. Aetna's own clinical policy bulletin, last reviewed on 23 September 2026, says most Aetna benefit plans exclude hearing aids. It tells members to check their benefit plan description. For plans that do not exclude hearing aids, it says over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids can both be eligible. The device must be cleared by the FDA, prescribed by a qualified provider and medically necessary. The same idea holds for most other insurers. Your employer chose what to include.
Pay first, claim later
Many hearing aid benefits pay you back after you have paid the provider. The UFT Welfare Fund describes its benefit this way. It asks for an itemized receipt marked paid and for claims within 90 days of the date of service. Rules like these are strict, and they are set by your plan, not by us. Read your claim form before your visit. Ask for an itemized receipt when you pay. If you want to spread the cost while you wait for your claim, see our page on hearing aid payment plans.
What to ask your plan
Call the number on your member card or your benefits office. Ask these questions. Does my plan cover a hearing exam and hearing aids? What is the dollar limit, and how often does it renew? Does it pay the provider or pay me? Is there a deadline to send a claim? What papers does it need, such as an itemized receipt or a prescription? Does it limit which providers I can use? Write down the date and the name of the person you spoke with.
How we can help
Call our Harrison office at (914) 949-0034 or our Somers office at (914) 556-6720. Tell us the name of your plan. Our biller can check the benefits of any plan for you before your visit. We offer patient financing, so you can ask about that on the same call. Plans change each year, so we will tell you what we find and you can confirm it with your plan.
Common questions
Do you take the Empire Plan or NYSHIP?
Please call us. Our biller can check the benefits of any plan for you. We do not promise on this page that we are in network with a plan. Ask your plan how it handles claims for the provider you choose.
Does the UFT Welfare Fund pay for hearing aids?
The UFT website says it reimburses up to $4,000 for hearing aids every three years, or the cost of the hearing aids if that is less. You pay first and send a claim. Check the UFT Welfare Fund for the current rules and deadlines.
Does Aetna cover hearing aids?
It depends on your employer's plan. Aetna says most of its benefit plans exclude hearing aids. Check your benefit plan description, or call the number on your member card.
What if my plan reimburses me after I pay?
Ask us for an itemized receipt when you pay, and read your plan's claim rules before the visit. Some plans have short deadlines. We also offer patient financing if you want to spread the cost while you wait for your claim.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some benefit. Our insurance guide explains how to check.
