TAP Hearing Aid Assistance
TAP Program update:
"The TAP program operates on a first-come first-served basis while funding is available." We anticipate that our current budget will be depleted sooner than expected.
We are starting a waitlist effective immediately. We ask that you please continue to submit all the required TAP application paperwork to reserve a spot on the TAP assistance waitlist.
We will follow-up with each applicant as soon as additional resources become available.
Please contact the TAP Program Coordinator by email at dhstap@dhs.wisconsin.gov or call 608-267-7195 if you have any questions about the TAP program or the waitlist process.
TAP Hearing Aid Assistance (HAA)
The TAP program offers financial assistance towards the purchase of new or refurbished hearing aids or cochlear implant processors. Funding is limited and is on a first-come first-served basis. Applicants must meet the TAP program eligibility requirements.
Submit an online application or printable application form, F-02306.
See below for more information and eligibility requirements.
TAP HAA provides funding towards the purchase of new and refurbished hearing aids and cochlear implant external processors with telecoil or Bluetooth-enabled programming to increase the efficiency and use of telecommunications devices for distance communications. HAA is available to eligible applicants with an out-of-pocket expense and can be combined with additional benefits or discounts available through applicant's insurance and supplemental plans.
HAA eligibility criteria
- Be a Wisconsin resident
- Meet income eligibility guidelines (PDF)
- Purchase through a certified audiologist or licensed hearing aid provider
- Purchase hearing aids or cochlear implant external processors with telecoil or Bluetooth programming
- A completed hearing loss certification form, F-22554 (must be current within the past six months)
- Not receiving Medical Assistance (examples: BadgerCare Plus, Medicaid)
Additional HAA eligibility considerations:
Not applying for these other TAP assistance options:
HAA application materials
- Submit an online application or printable application form, F-02306.
- Submit a completed hearing loss certification form, F-22554, (signed by a certified audiologist or licensed hearing aid provider within the last six months.) Hearing instrument specialists completing the form will also need to provide an exam result or report conducted within six months of the signed TAP application demonstrating applicant's need for hearing instruments (pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code ch. HAS 4 under the Hearing and Speech Examination Board).
- Submit a quote noting a T-coil or Bluetooth program is included and enabled.
What's not covered
- Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids
- Mail-order hearing aids
- Online testing documentation
- Battery replacements
- Hearing aid or external processor repairs
- Non-certified or unlicensed provider
- Providers not approved or active as a vendor in the Department of Health Service's accounts payable system
Please note:
- TAP HAA vouchers will be mailed to the applicant or the applicant's legal representative to be redeemed with an approved vendor (certified audiologist or licensed hearing aid provider) as a credit towards the total purchase price of the device(s).
- The program funding is not intended to cover costs associated with hearing exams, other clinical or office expenses, medical expenses, or past purchase amounts.
Search for a hearing aid provider
Information for hearing aid vendors
The HAA Vendor's page has more information for certified audiologists and licensed hearing aid provides.
Please contact the TAP Program Coordinator by email or call 608-267-7195 if you have questions, need assistance, or want to talk about any special circumstances or other financial assistance options.