Serving New York & Vermont for Over 40 Years
Good news for New York Empire Plan members
Your hearing connects you to the people and moments you love. Eligible NYSHIP Empire Plan members have a funded benefit of up to $1,500 per hearing aid, per ear, once every four years—potentially $3,000 for two eligible hearing aids. Plan requirements and prior benefit use apply. [1]
per hearing aid, per ear
when both ears need covered hearing aids
special replacement rules apply to eligible children
For eligible, medically necessary hearing aids. The $3,000 figure combines two $1,500 per-ear allowances. Plan requirements and prior benefit use apply. See official sources below.
A funded hearing benefit
A funded benefit means your plan can reimburse eligible hearing-aid expenses up to a defined allowance. That can make a meaningful difference when you’re ready to explore hearing care. Adirondack Audiology welcomes Empire Plan members at our New York offices in Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh, and Potsdam. Our team can help you understand the next steps and discuss hearing-aid options for your needs and lifestyle.
The plan’s hearing-aid benefit includes evaluation when the hearing aid is prescribed by a licensed provider.
Fitting is included within the same hearing-aid allowance, helping connect the device to your individual hearing needs.
Eligible device costs share the allowance with evaluation and fitting. These are not three separate payments. [1]
Let’s make it simple
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Start with a conversation with our team.
Have your NYSHIP Empire Plan card ready and let us know when you last used a hearing-aid benefit. We can help you identify what needs to be verified.
Meet with our audiology team to discuss your concerns, review your hearing, and consider appropriate hearing-aid options.
Ask for an explanation of the expected plan payment, any remaining balance, and how claims will be handled before choosing your devices.
Your questions, answered
A little clarity can make it easier to take the next step toward better hearing.
This page is for people enrolled in the NYSHIP Empire Plan, including eligible employees, retirees, and covered dependents. Confirm that your card identifies The Empire Plan; other NYSHIP options and other insurance products can have different benefits.
Your final cost depends on the eligible expenses, devices and services you select, and the benefit available to you. The allowance can help pay those costs, but a balance may remain. We’ll discuss your options and help you understand the expected costs before you decide.
The usual interval is four years. Children age 12 and younger may qualify every two years when their existing hearing aid no longer meets their hearing-loss needs. Confirm the applicable replacement rules and your next eligible date with the plan. [1]
The hearing-aid allowance includes evaluation, fitting, and purchase. Ask us to confirm how separately billed diagnostic testing, follow-up visits, repairs, accessories, or other services will be covered and charged.
Call the Empire Plan at 1-877-769-7447 and choose option 1 for UnitedHealthcare’s Medical/Surgical Program. They can confirm eligibility, remaining benefits, claims requirements, and provider information. [3]
Let’s find out how your Empire Plan coverage can support your hearing care at Adirondack Audiology.
Reviewed September 29, 2026. This is a general summary of published Empire Plan hearing-aid benefits. Your enrollee group’s current certificate and amendments determine coverage. Eligibility, medical necessity, prior use, and claim review affect payment; benefit verification is not a guarantee of payment.
Adirondack Audiology is an independent hearing care practice. The Empire Plan name and logo identify the plan discussed and do not imply endorsement by New York State or its plan administrators.
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