Maine Care and Assistive Technology: What’s Covered and
What’s Not
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear Implants are covered for all Maine Care members who
meet all the selection criteria. Postlinguistically deafened
adults must demonstrate test scores of 30 percent or less on
sentence recognition scores from tape recorded tests in the
members best listening conditions.. In addition all of the
following criteria must be met.
- Diagnosis of bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural
hearing impairment with limited benefit from appropriate
hearing (or vibrotactile) aids;
- Cognitive ability to use auditory clues and a willingness
to undergo an extended program of rehabilitation;
- Freedom from middle ear infection, an accessible cochlear
lumen that is structurally suited to implantation, and freedom
from lesions in the auditory nerve and acoustic areas of the
central nervous system;
- No contraindications to surgery; and
- The device must be used in accordance with the FDA-approved
labeling.
Cochlear implants are reimbursed under the provisions of out
of state hospitals services policy. The reader is advised to
check with the Bureau of Medical Services with any questions.
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