The State and the VSEA recently negotiated a new hearing aids benefit for State employees and retirees. Effective January 1, 2023, State retirees and their dependents covered by the State Employees Health Plan, will each have a $1,500 benefit toward hearing aids – per ear – every 5 years. The new benefit applies to the cost of the hearing aids only. Audiologist visits and hearing tests continue to be covered as specialist visits under the health plan’s regular medical benefits. VRSEA applauds the State for finally taking this step, as we have been asking for hearing aids coverage for many years.