Medicare does not cover Miracle-Ear hearing aids or most other hearing aids
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for hearing aids, including those sold by Miracle-Ear. This is true whether you buy them from Miracle-Ear, a local audiologist, or any other provider. Medicare also does not cover the cost of hearing tests done to fit hearing aids, though it does cover diagnostic hearing tests ordered by your doctor for medical reasons.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do offer hearing aid coverage, but the amount and the brands covered vary widely by plan and by year. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will need to check your plan documents or call the plan directly to see whether Miracle-Ear devices are included and what you would pay out of pocket.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids from any brand, including Miracle-Ear, or the hearing tests needed to fit them.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids with limits on cost and choice of provider, so you must check your specific plan.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, though the rules and the amount covered differ by state.
- Veterans may have hearing aid coverage through the VA, and some community health centers offer reduced-cost hearing services based on income.
How to learn about your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the first step is to look at your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document. This document lists what hearing services and devices your plan covers, any limits on cost, and which providers you must use. You can find this document on your plan's website or request it by phone.
If the document does not make the coverage clear, call your plan's customer service number (on the back of your insurance card) and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, what is the maximum amount you will pay?" Also ask whether Miracle-Ear is an in-network provider or whether you must use a different provider to get coverage.
Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage each year during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). A plan that covered hearing aids last year may not cover them this year, or the coverage amount may change.
What Original Medicare covers instead of hearing aids
Original Medicare will pay for a hearing test if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — for example, if you have sudden hearing loss or an ear infection. This is different from a hearing test done to fit a hearing aid, which Medicare does not cover.
Original Medicare also covers some treatments related to hearing loss. If you need surgery for a condition affecting your hearing, such as a ruptured eardrum or otosclerosis, Medicare will cover the procedure. Cochlear implants are covered for people who meet strict medical criteria, though this is a surgical procedure, not a hearing aid.
State Medicaid programs and hearing aid coverage
If you are may be able to access for both Medicare and Medicaid (sometimes called "dual may be able to access"), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Medicaid rules vary significantly by state. Some states cover hearing aids with few restrictions, while others limit coverage to one hearing aid per ear every few years, or they may cover only certain types of devices.
To find out what your state covers, contact your state Medicaid office or visit your state's Medicaid website. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) and ask for information about hearing aid coverage in your state.
Hearing aid coverage through the VA and other programs
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers hearing aids as part of its health benefits. The VA does not require you to pay out of pocket for hearing aids, and you can receive them at a VA medical center or through an authorized VA provider. You do not need to be service-connected for a hearing disability to receive this benefit.
Some community health centers and nonprofit organizations also offer hearing aids at reduced cost based on your income. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of programs by state. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also point you toward low-cost hearing services in your area.
Why Medicare does not cover hearing aids
Medicare's coverage rules were written decades ago and have not been updated to include hearing aids, even though hearing loss is common in older adults and affects quality of life and independence. Hearing aids are classified as "durable medical equipment" in Medicare's rules, but they are specifically excluded from coverage.
This exclusion has been debated for years, and some members of Congress have proposed bills to add hearing aid coverage to Medicare. However, no change has been made to the law yet. Until that changes, you will need to look to Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, the VA, or out-of-pocket payment to cover the cost of hearing aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing tests?
Medicare covers a hearing test only if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical problem, such as sudden hearing loss or dizziness. Medicare does not cover hearing tests done to fit a hearing aid. If you want a hearing test for a hearing aid, you will pay out of pocket unless your Medicare Advantage plan covers it.
Can I use my Medicare Advantage hearing benefit at Miracle-Ear?
It depends on your specific plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans contract with Miracle-Ear, and some do not. Check your plan's provider directory or call customer service to confirm whether Miracle-Ear is in-network and what you would pay.
What if I cannot afford a hearing aid?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 211 to ask about low-cost hearing services in your area. If you are a veteran, the VA covers hearing aids at no cost. If you are may be able to access for Medicaid, your state may cover hearing aids. Some nonprofit organizations also offer hearing aids on a sliding fee scale based on income.
Will Medicare ever cover hearing aids?
There is no current plan to add hearing aid coverage to Original Medicare. However, Medicare Advantage plans can choose to cover hearing aids, and some do. If hearing aid coverage is important to you, you can look for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it during the annual enrollment period.