UnitedHealthcare Hearing Launches Virtual Option to Help Plan Participants Remotely Access Hearing Health Care and Treatment

Rhea-AI Summary

UnitedHealthcare Hearing has launched a new virtual care option called Right2You, aimed at improving access to custom-programmed hearing aids for individuals enrolled in eligible employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans. This initiative could reduce the need for in-person fittings, potentially saving users 50% to 80% compared to traditional models. Following an online hearing test, customers can order hearing aids shipped directly to their homes, allowing for remote adjustments. The service is designed to enhance convenience and affordability for the 48 million Americans experiencing hearing loss.

Positive

• Launch of Right2You virtual care option for hearing aids to enhance accessibility.
• Potential savings of 50% to 80% on custom-programmed hearing aids.
• Direct shipping of hearing aids to users' homes for increased convenience.

Negative

• None.

UnitedHealthcare Hearing has introduced a new virtual care option for people across the country and individuals enrolled in eligible UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans, helping expand access to custom-programmed hearing aids and potentially reducing the need for in-person appointments for fittings or adjustments.

People across the country and UnitedHealthcare members can save on custom-programmed hearing aids through the Right2You virtual care model, including this Relate device. Source: UnitedHealthcare Hearing

The capability, known as Right2You, builds on the home-delivered hearing health care model developed by UnitedHealthcare Hearing, adding a virtual care component that is designed to help reduce the need for in-person appointments for hearing aid adjustments and support. Right2You is designed for greater convenience and affordability, enabling consumers and eligible UnitedHealthcare members to potentially save 50% to 80% on custom-programed hearing aids compared to traditional models.¹

To participate, people first take an online hearing test* to determine current hearing status. If potential hearing loss is detected, people can then obtain the results of a hearing test (also known as an audiogram) from an in-person appointment with a UnitedHealthcare Hearing audiologist or hearing care professional – or another credentialed hearing health care provider. (People can also use the results of a previous hearing test, if available.) Custom-programmed hearing aids are then shipped directly to the person’s home. Rather than follow-up adjustments and support via an in-person appointment, Right2You enables further customization remotely with a smartphone or tablet paired to the hearing aids.

For individuals and UnitedHealthcare members who prefer only in-person care and support, UnitedHealthcare Hearing offers a large network of more than 5,500 credentialed audiologists and hearing health professionals.

Right2You is an important resource for many of the more than 48 million Americans with hearing loss.² Since the emergence of COVID-19 and efforts to limit in-person meetings, hearing aid sales have declined significantly, although some analysts expect a rebound in 2021 as vaccinations become more widely available. Hearing loss is linked to age and environmental factors, and prolonged and repetitive exposure to loud sounds is contributing to the growing prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss, including people in their 30s, 40s and 50s.

“The new virtual care option from UnitedHealthcare Hearing represents an important option in how hearing health care is delivered, enabling people across the country to more easily and conveniently obtain treatment for hearing loss while minimizing the need for in-person appointments,” said Diane Nens, audiologist and senior clinical director, UnitedHealthcare Hearing. “Hearing health is connected to overall well-being, so improving access to hearing health treatment and hearing aids can support our members and lower their risk of depression and dementia, as well as reduce the frequency of falls.”³

For all consumers, UnitedHealthcare Hearing offers premium, state-of-the-art hearing aids by phone, online or in person at locations nationwide, with personalized support during and after purchase. Millions of UnitedHealthcare plan participants – including people with employer-sponsored and individual medical plans, as well as people enrolled in most Medicare Advantage plans – can purchase custom-programmed hearing aids with no out-of-pocket costs or a per-device copay starting as low as $175 depending on the plan.ⁱ

For more information about Right2You, plus an online hearing loss test, go to uhchearing.com.

*The online hearing test is not designed to replace a professional hearing test.

About UnitedHealthcare

UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In the United States, UnitedHealthcare offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with more than 1.3 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,500 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. The company also provides health benefits and delivers care to people through owned and operated health care facilities in South America. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @UHC on Twitter.

Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. Benefits, features and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions apply.

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¹ Based on suggested manufacturer pricing.
² National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 2019.
³ Science Daily, 2019, Hearing aids linked to lower risk of dementia, depression and falls -- ScienceDaily

ⁱ The cost of hearing aids as well as the method of paying for them varies by plan. Medicare Advantage members should refer to their Evidence of Coverage document or call the number on their health plan ID card to confirm the cost and payment method for their plan.

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FAQ

What is UnitedHealthcare's new virtual care option for hearing aids?

UnitedHealthcare has introduced the Right2You virtual care option to provide easier access to custom-programmed hearing aids.

How much can individuals save on hearing aids through Right2You?

Individuals can potentially save between 50% to 80% on custom-programmed hearing aids compared to traditional models.

What plans are eligible for UnitedHealthcare's Right2You service?

The Right2You service is available for individuals enrolled in eligible UnitedHealthcare employer-sponsored and Medicare Advantage plans.

How does the Right2You service work?

Users complete an online hearing test; if hearing loss is detected, they can order hearing aids to be shipped directly to their home.

What is the target audience for the Right2You virtual care model?

The Right2You model aims to assist over 48 million Americans experiencing hearing loss.