Pierre, SD HB 1158 appropriated funds during the 2005 Legislative Session to provide funding for cochlear implants to children less than 5 years of age with a severe to profound hearing loss.
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that assists an individual with severe or profound hearing loss to hear sounds.
The Division of Rehabilitation Services, through the Department of Human Services, administers the Cochlear Implant Program. Funding for this program is provided through revenue collected from the telecommunication relay fund for the deaf.
This program is designed to provide financial assistance to an eligible individual who is uninsured or to help offset the deductible or coinsurance for an individual with an insurance plan that covers cochlear implants. The program provides funding for the cost of the implant surgery for one ear, one implant device, surgeon fee, hospital fee, the initial mapping and up to a maximum of 12 follow up mappings within one year post surgery.
For an application or more information regarding the Cochlear Implant Program, contact Janet Ball at (605) 773-4644 or toll free at (800) 265-9684.
This was taken from www.state.sd.us/dhs/drs
