Cochlear Implant - MEDICAID - LOUISIANA

This policy covers unilateral or bilateral cochlear implantation for members under 21 years with severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Coverage requires documented limited/no functional benefit from an adequate hearing-aid trial, evaluation and approval by a multidisciplinary implant team (fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologist or otologist, audiologist, speech‑language pathologist), required medical/audiologic/speech/psychologic evaluations, imaging and auditory nerve testing as needed, intact tympanic membranes, absence of active ear disease or anesthesia contraindications, verification of recommended immunizations, and willingness to participate in pre‑ and post‑implant rehabilitation.

"Eligibility must be determined by a multidisciplinary implant team that includes at minimum the specified specialists (fellowship-trained pediatric otolaryngologist OR fellowship-trained otologist,..."