Hearing Aids and the Net medical expenses tax offset phase out

[wysiwyg]

So DH had to have new hearing aids, in the past that has meant that we can claim the 20% tax offset on amounts over 2120. That offset is being phased out, but I can't work out whether will apply this year or not. We didn't use it last year, as we only generally need the year buy the hearing aids, so the carry over bit doesn't apply but the site says

"The changes mentioned above will not apply to all taxpayers – the offset will continue to be available for taxpayers with out-of-pocket medical expenses relating to disability aids, attendant care or aged care expenses until 1 July 2019."

So are hearing aids considered to be disability aids?

[~Hestia~]

Can't really help but I have hearing aids and this was never mentioned to me. I paid and claimed part of it through my health fund.

[wysiwyg]

I should recheck our health fund - last time which was 2008 - hearing aids weren't covered, but our cover is different now - so maybe it might be.

[~Hestia~]

Yeah ours covered $800. Which probably was around 20% anyway.

[wysiwyg]

That is good because is only 20% of the amount over 2120 so maybe will get more back if private covers it. His arrived today, I am looking forward to it he has only had one working for a few weeks and has been difficult :-)

[Snacks]

DH has them too and I can't recall hearing about this either!
We claimed a paltry $300 from our health fund. The aids cost $10,000. Pi$$ed me off SO much when we got them that the rebate is so pathetic. Even $800 is practically nothing - it's not like they're for cosmetic purposes!

[wysiwyg]

You can claim later I think (had to fill in some special thing from the ATO) - it isn't specific to hearing aids, is just for net medical expenses

DH is trying an online company based in Melbourne this time. BlameySaunders - is a self-fit system (they were on the new inventors!) They arrived today after ordering on Sunday, he is very happy so far - cost $3500 which is less than we paid for the last pair 5 years ago and a lot less than the 7 to 12,000 that the company he got those from had quoted.

I do think it is odd how differently hearing aids are treated, not being able to hear significantly effects your employability.