EPIC Hearing Service Plan

EPIC (Ear Professionals International Corporation) has a national network of more than 3,500 credentialed audiologists and ear, nose & throat physicians (more than 250 in New York state). Through these providers, members receive customized care and, if needed, may purchase brand-name hearing aids at substantial savings.

EPIC identifies and screens qualified experts in hearing evaluation and treatment. It researches and evaluates all hearing aid technology to assure the latest and most effective options are available.

It negotiates the best prices for all treatment protocols, including hearing devices. EPIC prices may be as much as 50% below manufacturer’s suggested retail price and up to 35% lower than most discount offers. You could save up to 50% on testing diagnostics and batteries not covered by major medical insurance, and between 35% and 65% on name-brand hearing aids and products to protect and improve your hearing.

EPIC coordinates coverage with your existing health care plans.

NYSUT members and any family members may use this plan. There are no fees to use the program.

When you or a family member want to use the plan, call EPIC toll-free at 866-956-5400 and be sure to provide the Member Benefits identifier code "NYSUTMBC."  A hearing counselor will register you and assist in determining your hearing care needs.

You will receive a hearing service plan booklet outlining all plan benefits, services and pricing. A hearing counselor will coordinate a referral to a provider located near your home or work. Contact the provider and follow through with an appointment, examination and treatment.

EPIC coordinates with the provider and payment would be made to EPIC. EPIC contacts the manufacturer, who ships the hearing system to the provider for fitting on the patient. The patient has a 45-day trial period for adjustments and follow-up care.

If a member already has a hearing care professional and does not want to change, the member could still use his or her provider for the examination and receive a prescription to be filled by the EPIC provider.

EPIC will assist you in coordinating any insurance benefits or coverages when applicable.

EPIC also provides:

• Toll-free telephone support to any individual who may be active within the plan or may simply have questions about hearing care and hearing aids.

• Ongoing support after the hearing aid purchase with direct battery programs (batteries are shipped directly to the member’s home); notification of new ancillary support products; hearing aid and cell phone compatibility assessment and advice; and referral to other services available on a state-by-state basis to hearing-impaired individuals.

• Coordination with all insurance programs to assure maximum benefit on behalf of the patient/member.

• Financing assistance through two national credit service companies. EPIC can confirm eligibility and pre-approval over the phone for a variety of credit plans to assist in the purchase of hearing aids.

When you want to use the plan, call EPIC toll-free at 866-956-5400 and be sure to provide the Member Benefits identifier code "NYSUTMBC."

EPIC Hearing Service Plan is a NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation (Member Benefits)-endorsed program. Member Benefits has an endorsement arrangement of 1% of sales for this program. All such payments to Member Benefits are used solely to defray the costs of administering its various programs and, where appropriate, to enhance them. Member Benefits acts as your advocate; please contact Member Benefits at 800-626-8101 if you experience a problem with any endorsed program.

Agency fee payers to NYSUT are eligible to participate in NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs.

For more information, please visit  EPIC Hearing Health Care.