Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but it does cover hearing tests
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for hearing aids themselves or the fitting and adjustment that comes with them. You pay the full cost out of pocket. However, Medicare Part B does cover a hearing test (called a diagnostic audiological exam) if your doctor refers you because you have symptoms of hearing loss — such as trouble understanding speech or asking people to repeat themselves.
The hearing test is covered at no cost to you after you meet your Part B deductible. But once the audiologist or hearing aid specialist tells you that you need a hearing aid, Medicare stops covering the expenses. The device, the mold, the programming, and follow-up visits to adjust it are all your responsibility.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely by plan and by year. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan directly to ask whether hearing aids are covered and what the out-of-pocket cost would be.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare covers the hearing test itself if your doctor refers you, but not the hearing aid or any services related to fitting and adjusting it.
- You pay the full price for a hearing aid, which typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the type and features.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but you must check your specific plan to know what is covered and what you owe.
- Medicaid in some states covers hearing aids for seniors, so it is worth asking your state Medicaid office if you have both Medicare and Medicaid.
- Hearing aid manufacturers and nonprofit organizations sometimes offer discounts or payment plans that can reduce the out-of-pocket cost.
How to get a covered hearing test through Medicare
Start by seeing your primary care doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (called an ENT or otolaryngologist). Tell them you are having trouble hearing. Your doctor will examine you and, if they think a hearing test is appropriate, they will write a referral to an audiologist or hearing aid specialist.
Once you have the referral, you can schedule the hearing test. The test itself is covered by Medicare Part B after your deductible is met. You do not need to pay anything at the time of the test. The audiologist will measure how well you hear at different volumes and frequencies and will give you a written report of the results.
If the test shows you have hearing loss, the audiologist will discuss options with you. At that point, Medicare coverage ends. Any recommendation to buy a hearing aid, and any cost associated with purchasing and fitting one, is not covered.
What hearing aids cost without insurance
Hearing aid prices vary widely depending on the type, the number of features, and where you buy them. A basic hearing aid might cost $500 to $1,500 per ear. More advanced models with wireless connectivity, noise reduction, or directional microphones can cost $2,000 to $6,000 per ear or more. Most people need two hearing aids, so the total cost is often double.
The price also includes the initial fitting, programming, and adjustments during the first few months. Many hearing aid providers bundle these services into the total price. Follow-up visits to adjust the device or replace parts (like the battery or earpiece) may cost extra.
Some hearing aid companies offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months or years. Others offer discounts if you buy two hearing aids at once. It is worth asking about these options when you shop.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing aid coverage
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare. They are run by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can also add extra benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for hearing aids, hearing tests, or both.
Coverage differs from plan to plan. One plan might cover up to $500 per year toward hearing aids. Another might cover the full cost of one hearing aid every two years. Some plans cover the hearing test but not the device. You need to read your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage or call the plan's customer service number to find out what is included.
If you are thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan partly because of hearing aid coverage, remember that you can only change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or if you have a may have access to life event. Check the plan's coverage before you enroll.
Medicaid coverage for hearing aids
Medicaid is a separate program from Medicare, run by each state. Some states cover hearing aids through Medicaid, and some do not. If you are 65 or older and have both Medicare and Medicaid (sometimes called "dual may be able to access"), your state's Medicaid program might pay for hearing aids that Medicare does not cover.
To find out whether your state covers hearing aids, contact your state Medicaid office. You can search for your state's office at medicaid.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for your state Medicaid contact information. Have your Medicaid number ready when you call.
Other ways to reduce the cost of hearing aids
If you do not have coverage through Medicare Advantage or Medicaid, there are other ways to lower the cost. Some hearing aid manufacturers run discount programs for people without insurance. Starkey, Phonak, Widex, and Oticon all have programs that reduce the price of their devices.
Nonprofit organizations such as the Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) maintain lists of low-cost clinics and discount programs in your area. Some community health centers offer hearing aids at reduced cost. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also point you toward resources in your community.
Some employers and unions offer hearing aid benefits to retirees, even after you turn 65. If you have a pension or retiree health plan, check whether hearing aids are covered before you assume you have to pay the full price.
What to ask your doctor and hearing specialist
Before you see a hearing specialist, ask your primary care doctor whether they think a hearing test is necessary and whether they will refer you. This ensures Medicare will cover the test itself.
When you meet with the hearing specialist, ask these questions:
- What type of hearing aid do you recommend, and why?
- What is the total cost, including the device, fitting, programming, and follow-up visits?
- Do you offer a trial period so I can test the hearing aid before I commit to buying it?
- What is your warranty, and what does it cover?
- Do you offer a payment plan or discount if I buy two hearing aids?
- How often will I need to come back for adjustments, and will those visits cost extra?
When to seek help from your doctor
See your doctor if you notice sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, especially if it happens over a few days. Sudden hearing loss can be a sign of a medical condition that needs prompt treatment. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own.
Also see your doctor if you have ringing in your ears (tinnitus), dizziness, or ear pain along with hearing loss. These symptoms may point to an infection, earwax buildup, or another condition that a doctor can treat.
If you already have a hearing aid and it stops working or does not seem to be helping, contact your hearing specialist first. They can troubleshoot the device or adjust the settings. If the problem persists, your doctor can refer you to an audiologist for a new hearing test to see whether your hearing has changed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part D cover hearing aids?
No. Part D covers prescription drugs, not medical devices like hearing aids. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids under any part. Only some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for hearing aids?
Yes, if you have an HSA or FSA, you can use the money in that account to pay for hearing aids and related services. Hearing aids are considered a may have access to medical expense. Check with your account administrator about how to submit a claim.
What if I cannot afford a hearing aid even with a discount?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or a nonprofit organization like the Hearing Loss Association of America. Some communities have programs that loan or donate hearing aids to seniors with limited income. Your state Medicaid office can also tell you whether you may have access to for coverage.
How often does Medicare review its hearing aid coverage policy?
Medicare's coverage policies are reviewed periodically, but there is no set schedule. You can check the Medicare website or call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask whether coverage has changed. Your doctor or hearing specialist can also tell you about any recent changes.
If I have both Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, will the Medigap plan cover hearing aids?
No. Medigap plans cover some of the costs that Original Medicare does not pay (like copayments and coinsurance), but they do not cover services that Medicare itself does not cover. Since Medicare does not cover hearing aids, Medigap will not either.