Disability in New Zealand

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Ministry-funded Services

Hearing Aid Subsidy for SuperGold Card Holders

What is the Subsidy for?
If you need a hearing aid, the Ministry of Health can provide a subsidy of up to $500 (incl GST) per hearing aid. This replaces the existing subsidy of $198.
If you need two hearing aids, the total subsidy will be $1,000 (incl GST).

Who can get the increased subsidy?
If you are aged 65 or over, and hold a SuperGold Card, you will be able to get this increased hearing aid subsidy It is not means or asset tested.

When will this new subsidy be available?
This new subsidy will be available for people who have their hearing aids fitted from 1 October 2008.

What are the main features?

Your hearing must be assessed and hearing aid/s fitted by a qualified Audiologist who is a member of the New Zealand Audiological Society. The Audiologist can work in either private practice or based at your local District Health Board audiology clinic.
You will need to show your SuperGold Card to your Audiologist to be able to get the increased subsidy.
The subsidy can only be used towards the purchase of new hearing aids. It cannot be used to buy second-hand hearing aids.
The subsidy is available once every five years.
If you already have a hearing aid and it needs replacing, the subsidy can be used to purchase a new hearing aid after your existing subsidy term has expired.
Your Audiologist can advise you which hearing aids qualify for the subsidy.
If your hearing aid costs more than $500 the subsidy will be deducted from the total cost of your hearing aid.
There may be other costs you have to pay, such as assessment and fitting fees. The subsidy cannot be used towards these additional charges.
You do not need to visit a service that is listed in the SuperGold Card directory in order to receive this subsidy.

How do I get the subsidy?
Both you and the Audiologist who fitted your hearing aid must fill out an application form.
The Audiologist’s invoice for the subsidy must be attached to the application form.
The Audiologist will send the application form to Enable New Zealand, the organisation which administers the subsidy on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

Other Ministry of Health funded support available
Hearing Therapy Services
Hearing Therapy Services are and provided free of charge. Hearing therapists can assess your hearing needs, provide information about hearing aids and other equipment, teach you how to improve your communication and help you get equipment which might help you.
Ph: 0800 008 011
Fax: 04 499 5853
www.life.nzl.org

Deaf Association of New Zealand
Deaf Association of New Zealand promotes Deaf awareness and the use of New Zealand Sign Language. It also provides a range of
services to the community such as education
programmes and a New Zealand Sign Language interpreter booking service.
Ph/TTY: 09 828 3282
Fax: 09 828 3235

For more information contact:
Enable New Zealand
Phone: 0800 17 1981
Fax: 06 353 5876
Email: info@enable.co.nz
www.disabilityfunding.co.nz