Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
- Reviewed by John Krahnert, Compliance Director
While Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing coverage. Learn more and find plans that offer hearing benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover.
While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover hearing aids, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may cover routine hearing care and other hearing benefits not covered by Parts A and B.
Learn more about Medicare haring aid coverage and find out how to compare Medicare Advantage plans available where you live. You may be able to find Medicare plans that cover hearing aids if any are available where you live.
When does Medicare pay for hearing aids?
Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay for hearing aids or routine hearing exams. Although Original Medicare coverage doesn't cover hearing aids or exams, there are still other possibilities you may be able to consider.
Medicare Advantage Plans With Hearing Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. Part C plans often include additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers.
In 2023, 97% of Medicare Advantage plans offered hearing benefits.1 Medicare Advantage hearing coverage may include hearing aids and hearing services such as hearing tests, though specific hearing benefits vary based on the individual plan.
It's important to compare various plans in your area to find one that best suits your needs. Not all Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids, and some plans may cover other hearing benefits you find useful, such as over-the-counter hearing aids.
Some of the extra benefits Medicare Advantage plans may offer include one or more of the following:
- Fitness memberships such as the SilverSneakers program
- Vision care and allowances for things like reading glasses, prescription eyeglasses and contacts
- Dental care such as teeth cleanings, dental X-rays, dental fillings and more
- Over-the-counter (OTC) health products
- A Medicare flex card that can be used for health products, extra benefits or other services, depending on your plan
Again, not all of these benefits are available with every Medicare Advantage plan. Some benefits may not be available where you live.
Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you find out what benefits are available where you live.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost With Medicare Advantage Plans?
When it comes to hearing aid coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan, you'll likely encounter copayments or coinsurance. You may also be subject to a deductible for your hearing aid coverage.
- A copayment is a pre-set fee for a service or device. This is typically a set dollar amount, outlined in your plan details.
- Coinsurance involves you and your insurer sharing the expense proportionally. This is typically a percentage of the total cost for services or items like hearing aids.
Make sure to review these plan features carefully when comparing coverage for hearing services and hearing tests.
There may be annual limits on how many hearing aids Medicare Advantage plans may cover and how many costs may be paid by the plan. This can range from partial coverage up to full coverage depending on the specific policy details.
Be sure to check this information before selecting a plan so that you know what kind of financial assistance to expect.
Medicare Advantage plans are available to older adults and younger people who qualify for Original Medicare due to a disability or health problems such as End Stage Renal Disease or Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Exploring Other Options for Hearing Aid Costs
If Medicare does not cover your hearing aid expenses, there may be alternative options to explore that may help you with the costs.
Does Medicaid Cover Hearing Aids?
Each state Medicaid program may or may not cover hearing aids, because each state has its own guidelines on coverage and eligibility requirements.
Check with your state or local Medicaid office to find out if Medicaid covers hearing aids where you live.
Veterans' Affairs (VA) Health Care Programs
Veterans who served in the U.S military might be eligible for hearing aid benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers comprehensive audiology services such as diagnostic testing and hearing aid fittings at no cost to qualified veterans.
To find out if you are eligible for the VA hearing aid coverage and services, reach out to your nearest VA facility or check their website.
By exploring these alternative options, you may find the necessary support to cover your hearing aid expenses and improve your quality of life.
Medicare Hearing Aid FAQs
Are Hearing Aids Covered by Medicare?
Though traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer coverage for hearing aids and related services.
What Is the New Rule About Hearing Aids?
The FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017 includes a provision directing the FDA to establish regulations for coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
This new rule aims to make affordable OTC hearing aid options available without a prescription from an audiologist or healthcare provider, which could be helpful for many older adults with moderate hearing loss.
Does Social Security Cover Hearing Aids?
Social Security does not directly cover the cost of hearing aids. Individuals with low income may qualify for financial assistance through state-run Medicaid programs that can help with hearing aid costs.
Conclusion
While Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, there are other avenues you can explore to help with the cost of these devices.
Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans where you live. Plans may be available that offer extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, which may include hearing aid coverage.
We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.