Insurance
Funding Process

Approved for funding by most Medicare, Medicaid and Private Insurance*

Talk To Me Technologies’ speech-generating devices are classified as durable medical equipment (DME) — equipment that provides therapeutic benefits to a patient in need because of certain medical conditions and/or illnesses.

Scroll through the slide show below to see the process of funding through insurance.

Is a communication device right for me?

Your speech-language pathologist (SLP) will evaluate your communication needs and help you make a decision about which device would best meet those needs.
A TTMT AAC Consultant can support you and your SLP during this process by showing you various devices and vocabulary options at one of your therapy sessions or in another setting if preferred.
Once you and your SLP have narrowed down the options, TTMT can offer you a complimentary device loan to “test drive” if desired.

What happens next?

You will receive a TTMT Welcome Packet containing some paperwork for you to sign to get going with a loaner device or to move to an insurance funded purchase of your own device.
TTMT can check your insurance coverage and requirements at this point through what’s called a funding inquiry.

What will be needed?

Welcome Packet paperwork signed by you.
Copies of your insurance cards.
A report from your SLP recommending the device.
In some instances, insurance may require you to schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss getting a communication device.
Your TTMT AAC consultant will help you understand what is required by your insurance plan and make sure all the required pieces are gathered to submit to TTMT’s funding department so that the funding process can begin.

How does the funding process work?

Once all necessary paperwork and documentation is received by us, we will create a funding file for you. That file will be routed to our funding department here at TTMT, and assigned to a TTMT funding specialist.
Your assigned funding specialist will begin by verifying your insurance, followed by obtaining a prescription from your doctor.
Once your funding specialist receives the prescription from you doctor, they will go through the formal process of asking your insurance company (or companies) for prior approval of the device.

What then?

Your funding specialist waits for your insurance(s) to respond with their decision.
Your funding specialist will be in regular contact with your insurance(s) and will answer any questions that come up.
Your funding specialist will be in contact with you when there is news to share.
Upon receiving a written approval from your insurance(s), our team will begin manufacturing your device and preparing it for shipment to you!

Spark at home with a communication device.

At home with your AAC device

Once your device has shipped, our claims team will work with your insurance to submit the claim for payment. A claims coordinator will be assigned to your file and will reach out with any questions.

Common funding roadblocks

During the process, It's important to notify our team of any of the following changes, which will affect insurance coverage.

Hospital stay
Address changes
Rehabilitation care
Hospice care
Insurance changes
Skilled nursing care

We understand insurance, and we get it right.

Insurance rules change, but our success with getting devices covered is steady. We know exactly what it takes to obtain payment from sources like Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance.

We proudly boast a 97% clean claims rate, which means 97% of the time we get claims paid – the first time.

Compare this to the 71% industry average* and you'll understand why we feel our investment in research and efficiency puts us at the top of our game.

*www.ngsmedicare.com

Important insurance terms to know:

Out-of-Network

Physicians, hospitals, or other healthcare providers who do not participate in an insurer’s provider network.

In-Network

Providers or health care facilities that are part of a health plan’s network of providers.

Deductible

The amount you pay for covered health care services before your insurance plan starts to pay. With a $2,000 deductible, for example, you pay the first $2,000 of covered services yourself. After you pay your deductible, you usually pay only a co-payment or coinsurance for covered services.

Coinsurance

The amount you pay for covered health care after you meet your deductible, until you’ve met your plan’s maximum out-of-pocket for the year. This amount is determined by your insurance carrier.

Talk To Me Technologies gets it.

We know how frustrating it is to understand insurance enough to know what is and what isn't accurate, what qualifies and what doesn't, what actually applies to your specific case and what doesn't.

You don't have time for this! We do, and more... our company prioritizes time for staff research and continuous review of trends. Because of this, we frequently know about changes in insurance rules even before our clients do and exactly how to get the truest picture of your specific coverage. This emphasis prevents surprising and frightening denials. This emphasis isn't just good for you, but good for us: top-heavy research and expertise means less time fighting preventable denials.

Darla Burns communicating using her eyespeak communication system.

First, and probably most importantly, they advocated and argued with my insurance company for an unbelievable six months. With a condition that has no cure or treatment it becomes critical that one has positive partners in your life. Talk To Me Technologies provided that and no dollar amount can reflect the impact that they have had on my life.

— Darla Burns, Eyespeak™ communicator

We do things correctly — the first time — while keeping you in the know.

We believe that doing things correctly the first time, paired with impeccable communication along the way, is just good customer service. We're honored that you believe in our products, and we reinforce your decision with our service. As much as you have the perfect 'fit' with your new speech device, as much as you can depend on A+ Technical Support with our company, as much as you can depend on complete attention from our Trials Team, you can also depend on the highest tier of excellence from our Funding and Claims Departments.

The emphasis on doing things correctly the first time is only realized by quality of staff work and the commitment to research and education. How can you know these aren't just words: find a company who can rival our most recent 97% clean claims rate and we'll go back to the drawing board.