(1) The department will pay the lowest of the following for covered hearing aid services and items:

(a) the provider's reasonable usual and customary charge for the service or item;

(b) the amount specified for the particular service or item in the department's fee schedule. The department adopts and incorporates by reference the department's Hearing Aid Fee Schedule dated July 2009. A copy of the department's fee schedule is posted at http://medicaidprovider.hhs.mt.gov and may be obtained from the Department of Public Health and Human Services, Health Resources Division, 1401 East Lockey, P.O. Box 202951, Helena, MT 59620-2951; or

(c) 100% of the Medicare Region D allowable fee.

(2) The provider may bill Medicaid for a dispensing fee, as specified in the fee schedule adopted in (1)(b). The dispensing fee covers and includes the initial ordering, fitting, orientation, counseling, two return visits for the services listed, and the insurance for loss or damages covered under a one-year warranty.