Hearing Aid
New Jersey operates hearing aid assistance and prescription drug subsidies in conjunction for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Reimbursement for hearing aid costs is available through the Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAD) program, administered by the New Jersey Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DDHH). Eligibility for this program is linked to the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) income standards.
Hearing Aid Assistance for the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)
PAAD-enrolled NJ residents can receive reimbursements for hearing aids already purchased through the HAAAD program.
- Reimbursement Amount: $500 per hearing aid, up to a maximum of $1,000 (for both ears). However, reimbursement is limited to once per calendar year; if you make an additional purchase in the following year, a new application must be submitted.
- Eligibility:
- Must meet PAAD income limits and must be currently enrolled in PAAD or Lifeline.
- Reimbursement is only available if the cost was not fully covered by Medicaid or other private insurance.
*If the cost of your hearing aid is fully covered by Medicaid, private health insurance, or retiree insurance, you are ineligible for the HAAAD reimbursement. If you have partial coverage, you may apply for the remaining balance. Additionally, Senior Gold beneficiaries are excluded from HAAAD eligibility.
New Jersey Hearing Aid Project (NJHAP)
NJHAP provides free, high-quality refurbished hearing aids
.- Age: Individuals aged 65 or older, or those with hearing loss who have been determined disabled and are receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance).
- Income: Must meet NJ PAAD criteria (Single $54,943 / Couple $62,390).
- Required Documents:
- PAAD Enrollees: Form A (Simplified process).
- Non-PAAD Enrollees: Form B (Requires additional income verification).
- Must submit a medical clearance or hearing exam from a physician or licensed audiologist.
Horizon NJ Health (Medicaid) Coverage
Members enrolled in Medicaid (FamilyCare/MLTSS) receive hearing aid benefits directly through their insurance without needing to apply for separate reimbursements.
- Key Coverage: Hearing exams, hearing aid devices, accessories, supplies, fitting, and repair services.
- Procedures: Coverage is typically available once every 48 months (4 years); a physician’s exam and Prior Authorization from the insurer are mandatory.
*Benefit cycles may vary depending on your specific Managed Care Organization (MCO) plan; please contact your insurance provider (MCO) directly to confirm your coverage details.
Under 21: Through the EPSDT program, children and young adults receive broader access to hearing technology and related services.
How To Apply
- Online Application: NJSave
- Postal Submission: Download application form from NJ.gov HAAAD and submit it by mail.
- Contact: 1-800-792-9745 *PAAD/Lifeline enrollees must complete the HAAAD application and submit it with the required documentation.
- Postal Submission: Download application form from the New Jersey Hearing Aid Project and submit it by mail.
- Contact: DDHH 609-588-2648 | communications2@dhs.nj.gov
*The processing period is approximately 2 weeks upon receipt of the application. Once eligibility is verified, the DDHH will mail a confirmation letter and a list of participating audiologists. However, depending on the inventory of donated hearing aids, actual delivery may take between 8 to 12 weeks.Contact
- AWCA can provide counseling free of charge (201-862-1665 / info@awcanj.org).
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