Hearing care plan choices
Oct 1, 2009 4:27 PM
The UFT Welfare Fund offers two options for you and your dependents to access the hearing aid benefit. With both options, the member purchases the needed hearing aid(s) and then is reimbursed up to $500. The benefit is available once every three years.
Members should call the Fund hotline at 1-212-539-0539 and order a hearing aid voucher.
The voucher is good for 90 days and can be reissued by the Fund if it expires before being used.
How to use the voucher
Option 1:
Members and their dependents can go to any UFT Welfare Fund participating provider (a list is sent with the voucher) or any provider of your choice, and purchase the necessary hearing aid. The participating providers have agreed to offer at least a 25% discount. The service includes a comprehensive audiological evaluation, ear impression and the necessary visits for the proper fitting and use of the hearing aid.
Option 2:
As UFT members, you are also able to access benefits offered by our state affiliate, NYSUT. NYSUT Member Benefits has endorsed the EPIC Hearing Service Plan to provide benefits to you and your dependents.
EPIC (Ear Professionals International Corporation) has a national network of more than 3,500 credentialed audiologists and ear, nose and throat physicians, including more than 250 in New York State. Through these providers, members receive customized care and, if needed, may purchase brand-name hearing aids at substantial savings. EPIC prices may be as much as 50 percent below manufacturers’ suggested retail prices and up to 35 percent lower than most discount offers.
To access the benefit, members can call EPIC toll-free at 1-866-956-5400 and provide the Member Benefits identifier code: NYSUTMBC. A hearing counselor will register you and assist in determining your hearing care needs. You will receive a plan booklet outlining all benefits, services and pricing.
An EPIC ear physician or audiologist will test your hearing and, if needed, recommend hearing aids or other treatment. After your appointment, an EPIC hearing counselor will contact you to review any recommended products and services. EPIC contacts the manufacturer, who ships the hearing system to the provider for fitting on the patient. The patient has a 45-day trial period for adjustments and follow-up care. Following the 45-day trial period, EPIC will issue a paid receipt, which can then be submitted to the UFT Welfare Fund for the reimbursement of up to $500.
Tip on using the voucher
This benefit is provided once every three years. Therefore, members should only use this voucher if they are purchasing hearing aids. If the voucher is used just for an examination without a purchase, then the service is considered completed and a new voucher cannot be used for three years.
