As the year comes to a close, you may have an opportunity to make the most of your health insurance benefits before they reset on January 1. By the third and fourth quarters, many people have already met their annual insurance deductible or out-of-pocket maximum. But what does that mean for your hearing healthcare? Understanding Your Benefits Your deductible is the amount you pay for covered healthcare services before your insurance begins sharing certain costs. Your out-of-pocket maximum is the most you'll pay for covered, in-network services during your plan year. Once reached, insurance generally pays 100% of covered expenses. Depending on your policy, this could mean significant savings on hearing evaluations and hearing aid technology, with some plans covering a percentage or even the full cost. We Help You Understand Your Coverage At Johnson Audiology, we have dedicated insurance specialists on staff who contact your insurance provider to verify your hearing healthcare benefits before your appointment. This means your audiologist has your coverage information available during your visit, helping you understand your options, potential costs, and available benefits so you can make an informed decision about moving forward with hearing technology. Don't Forget Your HSA and FSA Dollars! Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can help cover eligible hearing healthcare expenses. Some FSA funds may expire at year's end, so be sure to check your balance! Your Benefits May Reset January 1. Schedule Now! The sooner you schedule, the more time you have to explore your hearing healthcare options before the year ends. Appointments fill quickly during the fourth quarter, and waiting until December could limit your options. Whether you're considering hearing aids for the first time, exploring newer technology, or simply due for a hearing evaluation, now is the time to take action. Don't let valuable insurance benefits go unused! SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE TODAY Choose your preferred Johnson Audiology location and request an appointment before the end-of-year rush. Our team will help verify your benefits so you can make an informed decision about your hearing healthcare. Insurance coverage varies by plan. Verification of benefits does not guarantee payment or coverage.
Hearing Loss and Palliative Care: What You Should Know Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life for people living with serious illness. Hearing is an important part of that care, helping patients understand their options, communicate their needs, and stay connected with the people who matter most. When hearing loss goes unrecognized, patients may have difficulty following conversations about symptoms, treatment options, and personal wishes. These communication barriers can make it harder to participate in care decisions and may leave patients feeling isolated during a time when understanding and connection are especially important. At Johnson Audiology, we work alongside patients, families, and healthcare providers to identify hearing concerns and explore support that aligns with each patient’s needs and goals. Hearing evaluations, hearing aid support, assistive listening devices, and practical communication strategies can help make important conversations more accessible. Addressing hearing loss as part of palliative care supports patient participation, meaningful connections, and care that reflects what matters to each individual.
Hearing loss and chronic kidney disease are closely linked—early hearing checks can support better communication and overall care.