Have you avoided purchasing hearing aids because of the cost? You’ll be happy to learn that the Ontario Government has a program in place that could provide you with financial assistance. The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) can help to pay for customized equipment like your hearing aids and frequency modulation (FM) systems if you have a long-term disability. Learn everything you need to know about the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) available to Ontario residents.
Eligibility
Adults and children who are residents, have a valid Ontario Health Card and require a hearing device for six months or longer, can apply to receive financial support. Those eligible will receive up to 75% coverage of the cost of one or two hearing aids. Those who already receive financial support through the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, Ontario Works, or the Ontario Disability Support Program may be eligible to receive up to 100% coverage from the ADP.
Exceptions
It’s important to note that if you have already qualified or are receiving financial support from the WSIB or Veterans Affairs Canada for the same hearing device, you will not be approved for coverage under this specific plan. Those who have also accessed the grant in the past 5 years, as well as those who require the equipment exclusively for sport, work or school, will not be eligible at this time.
Hearing Devices Covered
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) will cover you for hearing aids and frequency modulation (FM) systems, cochlear implants, bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA), and teletypewriters (TTY) for the deaf or speech-impaired. This includes behind the ear, in the ear, partially in the ear, and completely in the ear canal models.
Grant Amount for Hearing Aids
The maximum grant amount is $500 per hearing aid and up to a maximum of $1000 for two hearing aids. If there are any extra costs, the patient will be required to cover that out of pocket.
Application Requirements
The program will only help pay for equipment that is purchased from a registered vendor. To apply, you must first be diagnosed with hearing impairment by an otolaryngologist, audiologist or family physician. With the help of an audiologist, an application form and a hearing test will need to be completed. Then the hearing devices will be arranged through a registered vendor with the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). Once you’ve received your device and completed all necessary paperwork, you will then need to mail the form to:
Assistive Devices Program
5700 Yonge St., 7th Floor
Toronto, Ontario M2M 4K5
Covering Replacements
The ADP will not cover the cost to repair broken hearing aids. If your medical condition changes and the equipment you currently receive through funding from the ADP no longer suits your needs, you can apply for a replacement. In some cases, supplies that are worn out and are no longer covered under warranty may also be eligible for a replacement.
How to Get Started
If you live in the Ottawa and Perth area, you can contact one of our offices directly. All of our Robillard Hearing Centres are registered vendors with the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). One of our audiologists will set up an appointment with you to test your hearing, help you fill out your forms and fit you with a hearing device that works for you and meets the ADP requirements. We can also help you mail the forms and inform you of any other financial assistance options that may help you cover any remaining costs. For those who live in other areas of the province, you can find a registered ADP business and the application form here.
Robillard Stress-Free Financing Program
At Robillard, we care about making hearing affordable for everyone. That’s why we offer a stress-free financing program that offers no interest and no payments for an entire year. Our Centres are also authorized to certify eligibility to Revenue Canada for the Disability Tax Credit and are further registered with other sources of funding assistance in Ontario:
- Health Canada (Non-Insured Health Benefits)
- Ontario Disability and Support Program
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario
- Veteran’s Affairs Canada
Contact us today to find out more about how you can get help paying for a hearing device through ADP! We will be more than happy to walk you through the process and help determine if you qualify.