Update: Hearing Loss Regulations, ACC
Wed, 12 Mar 2014
http://www.acc.co.nz/making-a-claim/what-support-can-i-get/services-for-hearing-loss/WPC133463
Hi Julian,
Following the recent Ministerial hearing loss announcement, we'd like to let you and your membership know how we're progressing with implementing the 1 July 2014 changes.
The usual legislative process for the hearing loss changes has been shortened, so we're working quickly on the implementation. Our project team is currently working through the implementation issues - which includes everything from invoicing, purchase orders and what happens to clients with open approvals.
Enquiries from audiologists
Since the announcement we've received a number of enquiries from audiologists and the sector asking for more detailed information about the changes.
One of the key questions we've received relates to when clients become eligible for the changes. Requests processed on or after 1 July 2014 will qualify:
For hearing aid requests, including fitting fee, clients whose ACC 611 form is signed on or after 1 July 2014 will qualify for the new hearing aid funding.
For hearing aid repair and ear moulds, requests received on or after 1 July 2014 will qualify for the new funding.
For the new consultation allowance, clients will be able to take a look at what hearing devices may be on offer elsewhere, on or after 1 July 2014.
Note: As all ACC forms are legal documents it is important that they are completed accurately, and as such we will not be able to accept or process any forward dated forms.
We will be finalising the implementation details over the next few weeks and anticipate being able to provide you with greater clarity in early April.
Information sheet
We've put together an information sheet that gives a general overview of what's changing, including how contributions to hearing aids will increase. Clients will of course have individual sets of circumstances, but if they're asking about the changes you can use this information sheet to let them know what's happening from 1 July 2014.
It's important that clients know what's changing and what it means for them. Now that the changes have been announced publicly, we've started letting those who've recently been approved know about the changes by including the information sheet with their approval letters.
We're interested to hear how we can make the transition as easy as possible for your clients and appreciate the questions and comments we're receiving, so please get in touch and keep checking our public webpage for updates. We'll be updating the question and answers section between now and 1 July 2014 as we work to implement the changes. You can email us anytime at: hearinglossproject@acc.co.nz
Thank you for your patience as we work through these changes.
Regards,
Hearing Loss Project
ACC