Say what you need — hearing aids, an exam, glasses, cataract surgery, help with low vision — your coverage, and your county. In a few seconds you get what your coverage really pays for, the lower-cost routes, and the programs that exist for people in your situation, with the official links. No account. Nothing stored.
Free — takes 20 seconds
Hearing or vision, what specifically, your coverage, your county, and anything that matters — diabetes, a veteran, low income, already have a diagnosis.
Why this exists
Medicare's gaps on hearing and vision are the ones families discover too late. The over-the-counter rule, the free-exam programs, the Lions Clubs, the state's low-vision services and a well-chosen Advantage plan cover most of the gap — if someone lays them out. This does, in large type.
How it works
Hearing or vision, coverage, county, your situation. Nothing is saved.
The truth about your plan, the OTC rule, the lower-cost routes — in large type, English or Spanish.
The printable sheet, the questions card and the SHINE script, in the organization version.
Plans
The licence is for the senior center, assisted-living community, church or clinic that wants the large-type sheet with its name and its nearest programs on it.
Your center's name, the nearest Lions Club, clinic and SHINE counselor pre-filled; large-type printable sheets for every resident or member.
For a church seniors ministry, a caregiver support group, or a family managing care for more than one parent.
Free for individuals, always. Licence prices in USD, handled by Stripe.
Common questions
Yes, the tool is always free. Per the tool's disclaimer, nothing you type is stored.
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the exams to fit them, routine eye exams, or eyeglasses/contacts. It does cover a yearly diabetic eye exam, glaucoma tests for people at high risk, cataract surgery, and one pair of glasses or contacts after that surgery. Many Medicare Advantage plans add hearing and vision benefits — compare them during open enrollment with SHINE's free counseling.
Since October 2022, per the FDA, adults 18+ with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss can buy FDA-regulated hearing aids over the counter without an exam or prescription. They're not meant for severe loss or for children. A hearing test is still a good idea, and some community programs offer one free — this tool does not diagnose you.
Sudden hearing loss in one ear, sudden vision loss, eye pain, flashes, or a curtain over your vision, or an eye injury means you should see a doctor or go to the ER today. This tool only covers cost and coverage information — it is not medical advice.
Real programs include local Lions Clubs (often help with glasses and hearing aids — contact your local club), EyeCare America (free eye exams for eligible seniors 65+), the Florida Division of Blind Services, VA audiology for enrolled veterans, and FTRI, which gives free amplified phones to Florida residents with certified hearing loss. Confirm eligibility directly with each program.
Sí, la herramienta es siempre gratuita. Según el aviso legal de la herramienta, nada de lo que usted escribe se guarda.
El Medicare Original no cubre los audífonos ni los exámenes para ajustarlos, ni los exámenes de la vista de rutina, ni los lentes o contactos. Sí cubre un examen anual de la vista para diabéticos, pruebas de glaucoma para personas de alto riesgo, la cirugía de cataratas y un par de lentes o contactos después de esa cirugía. Muchos planes Medicare Advantage añaden beneficios de audición y visión — compárelos durante la inscripción abierta con la ayuda gratuita de SHINE.
Desde octubre de 2022, según la FDA, los adultos de 18 años o más con pérdida auditiva leve a moderada percibida pueden comprar audífonos regulados por la FDA sin receta ni examen. No están pensados para pérdida severa ni para niños. Aun así, una prueba de audición sigue siendo buena idea, y algunos programas comunitarios la ofrecen gratis; esta herramienta no lo diagnostica a usted.
Si tiene pérdida repentina de audición en un oído, pérdida repentina de visión, dolor en el ojo, destellos o una cortina sobre la vista, o una lesión en el ojo, debe ver a un médico o ir a la sala de emergencias hoy mismo. Esta herramienta solo explica costos y cobertura — no es un consejo médico.
Entre los programas reales están los Clubes de Leones (Lions Clubs) locales, que a menudo ayudan con lentes y audífonos — comuníquese con su club local; EyeCare America, que ofrece exámenes de la vista gratis a personas mayores de 65 años elegibles; la División de Servicios para Ciegos de la Florida; audiología de VA para veteranos inscritos; y FTRI, que entrega teléfonos amplificados gratis a residentes de la Florida con pérdida auditiva certificada. Confirme la elegibilidad directamente con cada programa.
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