Rule 3701-45-02 | Ohio hearing aid assistance program.
(A) In administering funds appropriated for the program:
(1) The director may, in his discretion, designate a program administrator, by contract or other means, to accept applications for participation in the program, verify eligibility for the program, and disburse payments.
(2) The director will supervise distribution of funds.
(3) The director will establish eligibility criteria for participation in the program.
(4) The director will prescribe the manner and form for applications from eligible families and audiologists for use in the program.
(5) No later than April first the director will issue guidelines for financial eligibility and family sliding-scale fee amounts based upon income. The director will also determine the maximum amount for audiology/hearing services that may be charged by an audiologist or hearing aid dealer and fitter participating in the program. The financial eligibility and sliding-scale fee amounts can be found at https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/28bc7f33-8b03-4398-bc77-0ca3cb367c20/2023+Guidelines+-+FPR+and+Family+Sliding+Scale+Fee-UPDATE.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CONVERT_TO=url&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE.Z18_M1HGGIK0N0JO00QO9DDDDM3000-28bc7f33-8b03-4398-bc77-0ca3cb367c.
(B) Applications for assistance under this program for eligible children birth to age 18 will be made through an audiologist. Applications for assistance under this program for eligible children ages eighteen to under twenty-six may be made through an audiologist. An audiologist submitting an application under this program will meet the following conditions:
(1) Is licensed with the Ohio speech and hearing professionals board; and
(2) Agrees to abide by all guidelines of participation in the program as set forth in rule 3701-45-04 of the Administrative Code.
(C) Families of eligible children ages eighteen to under twenty-six may apply for assistance under this program through a hearing aid dealer and fitter who:
(1) Is licensed with the Ohio speech and hearing professionals board;
(2) Is a CMH approved hearing aid dealer and fitter; and
(3) Agrees to abide by all guidelines of participation in the program as set forth in rule 3701-45-04 of the Administrative Code.
(D) The director or administrator will:
(1) Verify family eligibility for the program based upon the application submitted;
(2) Disburse funds for payment of hearing aids and provider services; and
(3) Maintain administrative records for implementation of the program.
(E) Funds will be disbursed in the manner set forth in this chapter until all funds have been expended.
Last updated July 16, 2026 at 8:07 AM
Supplemental Information
Amplifies: Am. Sub. H.B. 96, 136th GA
Five Year Review Date: 7/5/2031
Prior Effective Dates: 5/15/2014