Governor’s Budget Plan Would Boost Hearing Aid Reimbursement for Qualifying Older Adults & Individuals with Disabilities

Budget Would Increase Reimbursement from $100 to $500 Per Hearing Aid; Would be First Increase since 1987

May 6, 2021

(TRENTON) – Governor Phil Murphy’s budget plan for the fiscal year starting July 1 would significantly increase hearing aid purchase reimbursement available under the state’s Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) program.

The HAAAD program provides individuals with a $100 reimbursement to offset the cost of purchasing a hearing aid per calendar year. Beneficiaries must be enrolled in the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program or the Lifeline Utility Assistance program – or meet the eligibility criteria for those programs – to participate.

Governor’s Murphy’s budget plan for next fiscal year would increase the reimbursement to $500 per hearing aid per calendar year.

It would be the first increase in the program’s reimbursement rate since the program was created in 1987.

“This would be significant savings for those eligible for this valuable program,” Acting Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. “The Governor’s budget proposal is all about continuing to make New Jersey a stronger and fairer state that works for everybody, and that includes older adults and individuals with disabilities who need hearing assistance. This increase would be big help for some of our most vulnerable residents.”

“This would be meaningful help to New Jersey residents in need of hearing aid assistance,” Deputy Commissioner Elisa Neira said. “Increasing the reimbursement to $1,000 for a pair of hearing aids would improve the quality of life for many of our fellow residents.”

“Too many members of our deaf and hard of hearing community struggle to afford hearing assistance that is vital to their quality of life, especially older adults and those with disabilities,” Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Executive Director Elizabeth Hill said. “This increase would lead to better lives for those in need.”

“This is a valued program that helps vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities,” said Director Louise Rush, who heads Human Services’ Division of Aging Services. “This increase would mean so much to so many.”

Residents not enrolled in the PAAD or Lifeline program are encouraged to complete an NJSave application to verify age or disability status, residency and annual income. Income for 2021 must be less than $28,769 if single or less than $35,270 if married.

For additional information on the HAAAD program please visit here.