CHAP OLD
Children's Hearing Aid Program
Information for Patients
The Children's Hearing Aid Program is provided by the Florida Department of Health and managed by Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation of Florida. This program is designed to provide assistance in obtaining hearing aids and other hearing technologies for children residing in Florida aged 0-18 who do not have private insurance or have insurance that does not cover hearing technologies.

In order to qualify for this funding, the below requirements must be met:
  • The funds must be used only for children aged 0-18.
  • The family must be under 400% of the federal poverty guidelines - see chart below.
  • Children with or without insurance are eligible. For private insurance, the child's family must provide a summary of benefits from the insurance company or documentation on letterhead from the insurance company stating what the policy does and/or does not cover pertaining to hearing technology. If the child's hearing aid insurance pays for a portion of the device, CHAP will only pay for the portion the insurance does not cover.
  • The child must not be eligible for Florida Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program.
  • The child must have their hearing device fit by an audiologist licensed in Florida that has an active agreement with Sertoma. To obtain a list of providers with an active agreement, contact program staff at CHAP@familyhearinghelp.org or call 727-312-3881.
  • If a hearing aid was fit previously under this program, a new device for the same child will not be authorized for payment until the warranty of the initial device has expired.

Applications for the program are now open! To complete the application electronically, use the form box below to electronically complete and submit!

Alternatively, you can download the application by clicking here, and submit through email, fax, or mail to:

Fax: 727-807-6172
Mail: Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation
Attn: Children's Hearing Aid Program
5211 US Hwy 19, Ste 200
New Port Richey, FL 34652


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Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How do I apply?

    Applications can be accessed at www.familyhearinghelp.org/chap (this page) for a live application that can be completed and signed digitally. You may also download a copy that can be filled out by hand. An application can also be requested by emailing CHAP@familyhearinghelp.org or by calling our office at (727) 312-3881.

  • How can I see if my child is eligible for this program?

    Sertoma has the eligibility prerequisites displayed listed at the top of this page. Still have questions about eligibilty? Live chat with us during normal business hours with the blue chat button on the bottom right of your screen.

  • How do I send in the application?

    Applications online can be turned in automatically by clicking “finish” and “Submit”. Applications can also be downloaded and submitted by emailing to CHAP@familyhearinghelp.org, faxing to (727) 807-6172, or by mailing to:


    Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation

    Attn: Children's Hearing Aid Program

    5211 US Hwy 19, Ste 200

    New Port Richey, FL 34652

  • Do you take insurance?

    While Sertoma does not handle insurance through CHAP, insurance coverage will be applied to the devices cost and the CHAP funding will cover the difference.


    Patients who have CHIP/KidCare and/or Medicaid are not eligible to recieve assistance through CHAP.

  • What is proof of income?

    The most recently filed tax return filed by the parent/guardian's who have custody of the child. If the family did not file a tax return, our staff will work with you to determine what documents are needed.

  • What is proof of residency?

    A clear copy of the identification for one of the parent(s)/guardian(s) listed on page 3 of the application is required to verify Florida residency.


    This proof must be in the format of:

    • Florida Driver's License
    • Florida Photo Identification card obtained from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
    • Florida Vehicle Registration

  • What is proof age?

    Sertoma is required to verify the individual receiving assistance under CHAP is younger than 18. Proof can be the child's birth certificate, or their photo ID.

  • Does the program cover service costs, such as fees for testing?

    This program only pays for the cost of the hearing device. Any additional costs or fees, such as those for testing and fitting are determined between the patient and the provider.


    Unfortunatley, Sertoma is unable to assist with the cost for service fees, or any other fees outside of the hearing device, at this time.


    If you feel you have been billed incorrectly for your hearing device covered by this program, please call or email us as soon as you are able.

  • What if I have more questions?

    We are here to help! Our contact information is below. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm, and closed on most federal holidays.


    Phone: 727-312-3881

    Email: CHAP@familyhearinghelp.org

    Live Chat: During office hours, click the "Live chat with our team!" button on the bottom right corner of this page.

    Fax: 727-807-6172

    Mail:

    Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation

    Attn: Children's Hearing Aid Program

    5211 US Hwy 19, Ste 200

    New Port Richey, FL 34652

For audiologists:

  • I have a device list and pricing, is that price for one or two hearing aids?

    The listed pricing would be the reimbursement amount your clinic will receive for each individual device. Email CHAP@familyhearinghelp.org if you need an additional copy of the device and pricing list.

  • What is the warranty on the hearing devices?

    The original manufacturer’s warranty as your office purchases it from the manufacturer applies. CHAP is not able to authorize additional hearing aids until the warranty of the original hearing aid is either expired or used entirely.

  • Who in my practice is able to fit and dispense hearing aids under CHAP?

    Any audiologist, as long they are licensed and listed on the MOU.

  • Do you have another provider that participates that I may reach out to?

    Absolutely, the current list of active providers participating in the program can be found by clicking here.

  • How does reimbursement work? How long does payment take?

    An Exhibit B form (found in the executed MOU) will be submitted by the audiologist stating the patient to be fit and with which device. We will then send over an approval or denial for the device. After the patient is fit with their approved device, the provider will send in an Exhibit A form (found in the executed MOU) confirming the patient was fit along with an invoice for the devices.


    Once the invoice and all required documentation is received, payment will be submitted to the provider within 60 days.

  • Can audiologists charge service fees, or any other fee associated with fitting a hearing aid device?

    That is between the patient and the provider. CHAP is unable to set the rates at which services are billed at this time.

  • Does CHAP refer patients to clinics, or do clinics have to refer patients to CHAP?

    Both! Any patient a provider has that can take advantage of CHAP is encouraged to have the child apply and can see the approved provider that referred them. Any patients that are eligible for CHAP funding will be paired with a suggested approved provider in their area or they can choose from our list of approved providers.

  • What devices are covered under CHAP?

    Sertoma has an approved devices list that can be provided by contacting CHAP staff at CHAP@familyhearinghelp.org or by calling our office at (727) 312-3881. Any suggestions for hearing device models that can be fitted that are not on the approved devices list can be submitted to CHAP staff for approval using the same contact methods. 

  • Who orders the hearing devices?

    The practice will handle all ordering and inventory of the devices they are fitting.

  • Is there a certain number of patients an office must see under CHAP?

    Each provider will be offered available patients in their area. It is at the provider's discretion to accept or deny seeing the patient as they see fit.

  • What is E-Verify and how do I find my contractor E-Verify Number?

    E-Verify is an internet-based employment eligibility verification administered by the Department of Homeland Security. Data collected on the I-9 form is entered into E-Verify, verifying employment in the United States. The State of Florida requires all providers receiving funding from the state to be processed through E-Verify.


    To find the contractor E-Verify number navigate to the visit the E-Verify website, log-in, and select My Company Account. Your contractor number will be a 7 digit number, consisting of numbers only.

  • How much can I charge?

    The maximum reimbursement rate for each product is listed on the approved devices list.


    CHAP is unable to set or offer suggestions for rates for services.

  • What can I charge CHAP for?

    The hardware items on the approved devices list only. Any suggestions for hearing device models that can be fitted that are not on the approved devices list can be submitted to Sertoma for approval by calling or emailing our office.

  • Why do I have to undergo drug tests and background checks? Do you pay for my drug test and background check or do I?

    All entities receiving funding from the State of Florida are required to have staff working under the program undergo drug screenigs and background checks. 


    The expense for the drug screening and background check is required to be paid by the practice through the vendor of their choice.

  • What brands do you cover?

    Sertoma’s approved devices list includes products from Oticon, Phonak, Med-El and many more. This list can be provided by reaching calling or emailing our office.

  • Does the program cover cochlear devices?

    The program only covers Cochlear Implant processors at this time.

  • Do you take insurance?

    While Sertoma does not handle insurance through CHAP, insurance coverage will be applied to the device's cost and the CHAP funding will cover the difference.

  • Who do I bill, CHAP or insurance?

    The insurance coverage will be applied to the devices' cost and the CHAP funding will cover the difference, based on the amount outlined in the approved device list.

  • What if I have more questions?

    We are here to help! Our contact information is below. Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4:30pm, and closed on most federal holidays.


    Phone: 727-312-3881

    Email: CHAP@familyhearinghelp.org

    Live Chat: During office hours, click the "Live chat with our team!" button on the bottom right corner of this page.

    Fax: 727-807-6172

    Mail:

    Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation

    Attn: Children's Hearing Aid Program

    5211 US Hwy 19, Ste 200

    New Port Richey, FL 34652

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