Other Programs
  The Western States Health & Welfare Trust Fund of the OPEIU provides the following additional programs. Click on a tab below for additional details.
 
 
 
  Hearing Aid Benefit
  The Western States Health & Welfare Trust Fund of the OPEIU makes the following Hearing Aid Plan, funded directly from Trust assets, available for all eligible active employees and dependents regardless under which medical plan they are covered.
 
  Covered Expenses
 

The Plan will pay 80 percent of the usual, customary and reasonable charges (not to exceed actual charges) up to a maximum of $400 in a period of three consecutive calendar years for a hearing evaluation, examination, and hearing aid device.

An examination must be made by a physician before obtaining a hearing aid. The physician must provide a written certificate stating that hearing may be improved with the use of a hearing aid. Benefits will not be provided without this certificate.

In conjunction with the purchase of a hearing aid, benefits will be paid for:

  1. An otologic examination by a physician;
  2. An audiologic examination and hearing evaluation by a certified or licensed audiologist including a follow‑up consultation; and
  3. The hearing aid (monaural or binaural) prescribed as a result of such examination, which shall include (i) ear molds; (ii) the hearing aid instrument; (iii) the initial batteries, cords, and other necessary ancillary equipment; (iv) a warranty; and (v) follow‑up consultation within 30 days following delivery of the hearing aid.
 
  Exclusions and Limitations
 

The Plan will not pay benefits for:

  1. Any examination without a hearing aid being obtained. (These examinations will be considered under physician benefits for Home and Office Calls.)

  2. The replacement of a hearing aid for any reason more than once in a three consecutive calendar year period.

  3. Batteries or other ancillary equipment other than that obtained upon purchase of the hearing aid.

  4. Repairs, servicing, or alteration of hearing aid equipment.

  5. A hearing aid which exceeds the specifications prescribed for correction of hearing loss.

  6. Expenses incurred after termination of coverage under the Plan except expenses for a hearing aid which was ordered prior to termination and was delivered within 30 days after the date of termination.

  7. Hearing Aid Benefits are not provided under the Retiree Plan.
 
  All information provided on this web site is in summary and intended to provide highlights of your plans. We strongly recommend referring to the Plan booklet for complete details before making any decisions related to your eligibility, benefits and coverage.