Oticon vs United Healthcare Hearing | The Dr. Cliff Show

In this Podcast, Dr. Rachael Cook, Dr. Cliff Olson, & Dr. Kelsey Beck discuss the ongoing drama between Oticon and United Health Care hearing as Oticon removed their Intent hearing aids from Managed care & 3rd party formularies, & United Healthcare Hearing fires back by not offering Bernafon hearing aids to their members either.
drcliffolson.com
appliedhearingaz.com
hearingup.com

[@brianerock]

I suspect the difference in pricing to NON-managed-care audiologists vs managed-care audiologists is to get around the Robinson-Patman Act of 1936 that requires a company to sell to ITS customers that are EQUIVALENT WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION at IDENTICAL pricing and sales terms for the SAME PRODUCT. By setting up product “differences” (i.e., differing sales organizations’ names and features) Oticon Intent vs Bernafon Encanta effectively allows different pricing and terms to NON-managed-care audiologists vs managed-care procurement organizations and their negotiated formularies to THEIR DIRECT customers (managed-care audiologists)

[@charliejg]

This issue goes beyond the current insurance company model. The big problem here is the refusal by insurance companies to recognize and cover hearing loss and its treatment as a medical issue that can lead to more severe medical issues if not treated properly. Hearing aids are not some novel toy that people want rather than need. If someone needs a prosthetic limb it certainly is considered as a medical issue by insurance companies. In addition, the cost of these devices and care in some cases is way overboard. For example, I was recommended Oticon Real 1 hearing aids at a cost of $6000.00! That is just crazy.

[@burstofburden3777]

Not crazy at all. That’s standard pricing for a top tier tech.

[@charliejg]

@@burstofburden3777 It may be "standard pricing", but I'm guessing that it's at least a 1000% markup.

[@burstofburden3777]

@@charliejgnot at all. Costco has the perfect hearing aids and service plan for you!

[@charliejg]

@@burstofburden3777 Thanks! I haven't yet given them a try. I've been putting off going to check out devices for a year now. The cost just freaked me out.

[@arttaylor1509]

What i see is that UHC is falsely claiming that they give me hearing coverage. I still can't afford real hearing care.

[@barakevertsen8409]

There is a lot to be learned here and I find a lot of value in that. Seeing and hearing both sides of this topic is the biggest take away.

[@Diggers5]

I live in NSW, Australia and I am currently purchasing Oticon Intent hearing aids. I have experienced a 2 tiered health system of providers here - for my Oticon Intent purchase as a Private Client - compared to the Australian Government's subsidy system for certain hearing aids purchasers. It is simply all about the $$$'s here - with some hearing aids providers.

[@terriannolson8923]

I love listening to the three of you chat about your work and actual experiences that you all have had. 😊

[@terriannolson8923]

I'm so glad that you are our son, Cliff. 🥰

[@StrongbowTX]

Wait, there are actual health insurance providers that cover hearing aids, even a little bit? I've had UHC for years and when I got my hearing aids it was strictly "No, we cover exactly 0%".

[@terriannolson8923]

I wonder if the US insurance companies will eventually get rid of this 3rd party managed care concept. 🤔

[@terriannolson8923]

Yay Dr Rachael AND Dr Kelsey!!! 👋😁

[@karlaatherton]

I guess it is as if you want to buy a high end vehicle from a manufacturer vs the base models. They are still providing the same warranty, service, etc. only difference is the sale price. What I don’t understand is: does the managed care and/or healthcare companies tells audiologist stores that they will only pay up to so much and if the customer wants an upgrade they can pay out of pocket? Or they tell them how much they can charge regardless and not one penny more to the consumer? This is so confusing

[@russellburnam3552]

What an industry..the big 5 manufacturers…allows their products to be sold and offered as a marketing loss leader in order to obtain subscribers, then your industry has already lost.

[@DuaneSmelser]

When will you be a “No” to the IHS and state hearing associations until they demand members adhere to ALL “Best Practices,” and stop misleading and dishonest advertising? In other words, demand these organizations operate like the AMA and American Bar association. Until providers hold themselves accountable to deliver high quality care, consumers will continue to believe hearing aids are overpriced.

[@DuaneSmelser]

Oh, almost forgot the American Audiology Association also does not hold its members to any standards either.

[@paul59572]

My frustration is why is Oticon offering their hearing aids to providers that don’t do real ear and all that if it’s only about quality. Why isn’t there pressure put on providers to not allow them to fit the Oticon intent unless they prove they are a quality provider. If it was all about quality it would be a 2 pronged approach

[@paul59572]

Yes I do realize the real problem is the insurance industry and I guess that’s why but idk how a hearing manufacturer can do anything to fix the US insurance industry

[@Andreajv27]

I just got the Bernafon Encanta this week and am loving it. It looks identical to the Oticon Intent in appearance, charger and app. I wonder how similar the insides are. Anyone know?

[@Brother-Luke]

Does the Oticon intent 4d sensor work for one ear? I have mild high frequency loss in left ear. Does Dr Cliff wear a hearing aid for one ear? Would you recommend them? Thanks

[@lewis71980]

I wear a hearing aid for one ear severe HF loss. But my healthcare provider is providing me with a second HA so I can stream better via Bluetooth. Otherwise it’s fine with one HA. Not sure how the Intent works as a single hearing aid. My one is an OPN.

[@JeffErdmann]

As an end user I don't understand why can't HA be sold separately from the service?

[@doctorshearingcare]

They are in many private practice clinics. Managed care still wants everything bundled together or for services to be FREE with the hearing aid purchase.

[@karlaatherton]

@@doctorshearingcareso you are saying the audiologist stores have to follow their orders?😊

[@karlaatherton]

I totally understand profit, now my concern is: how many customers will be able to afford the heavily marked up devices, how many will be able to purchase the mid range and how many the other type of hearing aid (base model that satisfy their hearing need without all the bells and whistles). This move sounds pretty risky at this particular economy situation. Not the best time in my opinion.

[@l1uywpap1]

Costco

[@monicalewis714]

Costco aids are three platforms back in technology

[@stevenbennett1403]

I was told the very old technology hearing aids are covered. I didn’t want to walk around carrying a big horn attached to my ears.

[@utuber1000]

LOL!🤣

[@JeffErdmann]

I love Costco's HA & service.

[@riffseeks10s46]

Does this include hearing aids provided through the VA?

[@seanfoley2447]

No, VA coverage is fantastic and we see a lot in my office. The only downside is with the VA you pay with time and convenience when waiting for authorizations/orders/ETC. However they buy the highest level of technology from the big five companies and usually approve new hearing aids every 3-4 years. And they pay for a large majority of the devices and care.

[@davidkeenan6273]

OMG! So one sided. I expect, and accept, they will promote their viewpoint, but too many times they jump on the half-truth bandwagon without providing the whole story. I guess when you build a $750,000 office and have to keep your celebrity status, you have to keep stirring the Kool-Aid.

[@205rider8]

Dumb uniformed comment.

[@russellburnam3552]

Quit using words like coverage and benefit like HBMs use to trick subscribers….use the word discount.