How the Montana VA Supports Hearing Health
May is Better Hearing Month and to celebrate we’re giving away a different prize each week!
Week 5 is the grand prize — a Polk Magnifi One home-theater sound system. Call us today for your chance to win!*
As a service-disabled veteran, I can certainly identify with many who are frustrated with the frailties of the Veterans Affairs health care system. And there is no doubt that a long, hard look at the current model is sorely needed. However, I would like to use this week’s blog to talk about a very narrow part of the VA health care system in Montana.
Did you know that the VA contracts directly with only top-tier hearing aid manufacturers and only for their most advanced products?
Despite popular belief, there are no lowest-bidder shenanigans going on with VA hearing aids. Only the most sophisticated hearing technology is acquired for veterans.
Some of the most thorough and respected research in this field is conducted by the VA.
If the VA puts its stamp of approval on a hearing aid, you can and should recommend that technology to all your friends and family. They really are that good. The same can be said for VA-contract providers.
Speaking only for the Montana VA system, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the veterans are working with some of the finest and most knowledgeable professionals in the state. In an exceptionally well-conceived move, the Montana VA system put hearing care in the hands of the most qualified local providers rather than in their own clinics and hospitals. VA fee-based contractors are rigorously vetted, and most have been providing services to veterans for years. This length of tenure ensures the strongest of relationships with the VA and, therefore, the best service to the veterans.
Non-VA fee-based hearing health care also means shorter drive time, less wait time, longer appointments, more attentive providers, and little perks you can’t get at a VA hospital, like immediate service, walk-in allowances for cleaning and maintenance, and concierge service for repairs and programming. The use of local, fee-based providers also saves the VA millions of dollars per year in payroll and infrastructure costs. This money can now be dedicated to considerably more important services, which, in my opinion (and experience), are unmatched in any other state.
The VA contracts with local providers for the assessments and distribution of the hearing aids as well as necessary follow-up care and services.
The VA does not purchase any equipment directly from the provider. Because of this unique relationship, your VA hearing-care provider must meet very strict education, qualification, and service standards to maintain the contract. What does that mean for you? Top-notch service — period.
When you have a moment, call your VA service rep and support community-based contract hearing health providers. It’s good for you, your fellow vets, your community, and small businesses.
*Entries accepted between May 29-June 2, 2017. Open to Montana residents only.
