Cochlear delivers broader insurance coverage and expanded access to cochlear implant options

CENTENNIAL, Colo., Sept. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH), the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, announces today that Anthem, the largest Blue Cross^® and Blue Shield^® (BCBS) franchise holder and second largest payer in the country, and six other independent BCBS plans have updated their cochlear implant coverage policies to include coverage for the Cochlear Nucleus Hybrid Implant System. This coverage is in addition to coverage by Aetna, TRICARE and Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program already in place for the Hybrid System.

In 2014, Cochlear received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the only Hybrid Hearing* device available on the market. Since then, there has been limited access to the Hybrid Implant System for those with commercial insurance coverage, as can be the case with any new technology.

Now, customers covered under Anthem, BCBS of Arizona, Horizon BCBS of New Jersey, BCBS of Alabama, BCBS of Kansas, BCBS of North Carolina and Blue Shield of California plans will also be covered for the Hybrid Implant System.

"Lack of awareness of treatment options and lack of access to insurance coverage impedes those with hearing loss to take action," said Mickey Brown, Vice President, Health Economics, Cochlear North America. "Through Cochlear's efforts to work with insurance companies throughout the United States, more than 90 million people now have access to all cochlear implant options available on the market."

This exciting news also comes on the heels of the FDA approval of the Cochlear Nucleus Acoustic Component now being available for all customers with functional low frequency hearing regardless of the type of cochlear implant. Previous access to the Hybrid Implant System, which includes the acoustic component, was only available to those with the Hybrid L24 Implant**. Now, all cochlear implant customers can obtain the acoustic component if they have functional low frequency hearing.

"Expanding access to the Cochlear Nucleus Acoustic Component enables our current and future cochlear implant recipients to have access to the benefits of both electric and acoustic amplification combined to give them back the sounds they have been missing," said Tony Manna, President of Cochlear North America. "At Cochlear, our promise is to help people Hear now. And always, and that is our commitment to work hard and deliver access to effective solutions so our customers can connect with others and live a full life."

Hybrid Hearing combines the benefits of hearing aids and cochlear implants in one device, allowing customers to get back the sounds they have been missing by amplifying the low frequency hearing a person does have while restoring access to the high frequency hearing they have lost. Hybrid Hearing is designed to help those with severe high frequency hearing loss and mild to moderate low frequency hearing loss.

About Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH)
Cochlear is the global leader in implantable hearing solutions. The company has a global workforce of 2,800 people and invests more than AUS$100 million a year in research and development. Products include cochlear implants, bone conduction and acoustic implants, which are designed to treat a range of moderate to profound types of hearing loss.

Over 450,000 people of all ages, across more than 100 countries, now hear because of Cochlear.
www.cochlear.com/us 

* The Cochlear Nucleus Acoustic Component should only be used when behavioral audiometric thresholds can be obtained and the recipient can provide feedback regarding sound quality.

** The Hybrid L24 Implant is approved in the U.S. for adults ages 18 and older.

©Cochlear Limited 2016. All rights reserved. Hear now. And always and other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

® ANTHEM is a registered trademark. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160914/407713 

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130531/LA23942

SOURCE Cochlear Limited

Related Links

http://www.cochlear.com/us