I posted this info a few years ago about the RACHAP program, a program specifically for retirees that have no luck with the VA. I've forgotten what RACHAP actually stands for but basically retirees can get top of the line hearing aids for about 10 cents on the dollar.I've used the program in FT Polk, LA, and FT Rucker AL. I recall that Randy Scott was successful with the program and he used a based in or round the tidewater area.
You can google RACHAP and find a listing of the bases that offer the program but just recently NAS Pensacola joined the program but they're not shown on the web site so the list might be out of date.
but a quick phone call to Medical at any base can get one the info as to their participation in RACAAP.
Randy, if you're up on this site, please join in the conversation as your experience is with east coast svc while mine is in and around MS.
ur welcome. RACHAP stands for Retiree At Cost Hearing ids Program.
I hope you have as good luck as I have Had.
I recently got top of the line Satarkeys for $750. Came with a 3 year maintenance/replacement program sholud the product go south.
In my case, it was determined that my right ear was completely deaf so Starkey designed me a set that takes any receptions at the right ear phone are xferred to my left (good) ear at not extra charge ($750). The diction or my ability to recognize words was improved to close to 100%
For the record, I had not heard of Starkey before they designed my set but when I looked them up, they're rated at or near the top in all phases of performance.
John is right, I got my first hearing aids through RACHAP at government cost. I was in Virginia at the time and had to go to Bethesda to do this because they were the closest to me. Since then I’ve been given a 30% disability due to my tennitus and a foot surgery the Navy messed up. Both items were documented during my active duty time. I’m in central Florida now and use VA health almost exclusively, even though Medicare and Tricare cover almost everything too. The VA provides eye care as well as hearing and everything comes at no cost. I just got a new pair of rechargeable aids and love them. I might add that the VA also did cataract surgery on both eyes and it was restored to my lasic mono vision. No more glasses for distance or reading! Obviously, I’m a big fan of VA health care and would encourage any of you to try getting at least a 10% disability rating, that’s all it takes!
Certainly not arguing that VA is not a better deal financially. The policy of the VA in South Mississippi is that they primarily serve "in-country, Combat Veterans".
I will admit that when I was first told this by my VA Rep, It kinda made me pretty upset. But, after thinking about it for a bit, I came to the conclusion that its a pretty good policy. Complete healt care for all veterans by the VA is probably not realistic So, programs like RACHAP were implemented to help bridge the gap where it exist.
Certainly, if VA is responsive in your respective areas, by all means, use it. But, if not, then investigate RACHAP and similar programs for service in your area.
I was evaluated in 2019 by the Battle Creek, MI VA hospital audiology department and diagnosed with moderate-to-severe mid-high frequency hearing loss in both ears. My claim for disability compensation acknowledged it as service connected - in my left ear, but not my right... and awarded a zero disability compensation rating. My hearing has gotten worse since then (ask my wife...) and I was re-evaluated, still zero rating, no compensation - but they did give me a set of $7,000 Phonak LE-90 hearing aids. I can't explain the logic of the disability / compensation area.
