Hearing services shall be covered for medicaid recipients. (a) Medical diagnosis, audiological testing, and the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids and appropriate accessories shall be covered.

1. (b) A medical diagnosis shall be made by an ear specialist or by a general practitioner if an ear specialist is not easily available.
2. (c) Audiological testing shall be performed by a physician or an audiologist.
3. (d) Fitting, dispensing, and follow-up shall be performed by a hearing aid dealer.
4. (e) A hearing aid shall not be covered if the physician indicates that a medical condition contraindicates the effectiveness of an aid.
5. (f) This regulation shall be effective on and after January 1, 2004.

(Authorized by and implementing K.S.A. 39-708c; effective May 1, 1981; amended May 1, 1986; amended, T-87-5, May 1, 1986; amended May 1, 1987; amended Oct. 1, 1993; amended, T-30-1-2-03, Jan. 2, 2003; amended April 18, 2003; amended Jan. 1, 2004.)