Paying for upgrades
Although the process may seem overwhelming at first, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
What you will find on this page
- Cochlear Reimbursement and Insurance Services offers direct insurance billing
- Three ways to pay for an upgrade
Did you know many insurers may cover 70-80% of the cost of a replacement sound processor? And, the best part is we are here to make the process as smooth as possible. Our Reimbursement and Insurance Services team will work with your insurance provider on your behalf, collecting all the necessary documentation to determine and submit for coverage.
Cochlear provides direct insurance billing on your behalf when you are insured by private insurance, Medicare, many state Medicaid plans (including HMOs), and TRICARE. The Cochlear Reimbursement and Insurance Services team helps you navigate the insurance process by seeking prior authorization from these plans.1
If Cochlear is not contracted with your insurance provider, a one-time agreement (OTA) may be needed. This process is dependent on how quickly your insurance company approves the OTA and/or grants prior authorization and may take in excess of 30 days.
Three ways to pay for a sound processor
Your sound processor is an FDA-approved micro-computer with a life cycle of about five years. When it’s time for a new processor, there are three ways to pay.
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Self-pay for a replacement sound processor without insurance
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Self-pay for a replacement sound processor and submit to insurance on your own
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Use Cochlear Reimbursement and Insurance Services
Cochlear will work to verify your insurance benefits, gather supporting documentation from your clinician, and determine your estimated out-of-pocket costs. Co-insurance must be paid before the processor ships. Generally, sound processor replacements take 6-8 weeks to process and ship. Delivery is usually 1-3 business days (depending on method). After shipment, Cochlear will submit claims and receive payment from your insurance.
“It’s been a great experience. I feel like some people may be hesitant because they think it’s going to be a long, cumbersome process. It depends on your insurance, but it’s really not that scary. Cochlear was great at explaining things and walking me through the process.”
- Jennifer - Nucleus® recipient
Help with insurance
Navigating insurance can feel overwhelming. Let us help you – contact us today.