Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is one of the larger gaps in Medicare coverage, and it affects millions of older adults. If you need hearing aids, you will pay the full cost out of pocket unless you have additional coverage through a Medigap plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, or Medicaid.
The one exception is that Medicare Part B covers a hearing and balance exam if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — not for fitting hearing aids. The exam itself is covered, but any hearing aids recommended afterward are your responsibility.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, hearing exams for hearing aid fitting, or most hearing aid repairs and batteries.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, though the amount and type vary widely by plan and region.
- Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids, but some states have programs that help low-income seniors pay for them.
- If you are on Medicaid in addition to Medicare, your state Medicaid program may cover hearing aids — coverage rules differ by state.
- Hearing aids typically cost $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, and most people need two.
Medicare Advantage plans sometimes cover hearing aids
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are run by private insurance companies and can offer benefits that Original Medicare does not. Many Medicare Advantage plans do include some hearing aid coverage, but the details vary significantly. Some plans cover a set dollar amount per year (for example, $500 or $1,000), while others cover a percentage of the cost. A few plans cover hearing aids more generously, but these are less common.
The coverage you get depends on which plan you choose and where you live. The same insurance company may offer different hearing aid benefits in different regions. You need to check the plan's Summary of Benefits document or call the plan directly to find out what hearing aids cost you. If you are thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan partly for hearing aid coverage, compare the plans available in your area before you enroll.
What Medigap plans do and do not cover
Medigap (supplemental insurance) plans help pay for costs that Original Medicare does not cover — things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. However, Medigap plans do not cover services that Medicare itself does not cover. Since Medicare does not cover hearing aids, Medigap plans do not either.
If you have Original Medicare plus a Medigap plan, you still need to pay for hearing aids out of pocket. Medigap can help with other medical expenses, but hearing aid coverage is not one of them.
Medicaid and state hearing aid programs
If you are may be able to access for both Medicare and Medicaid (sometimes called "dual may be able to access"), your state Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Medicaid is run by each state, so coverage rules are different everywhere. Some states cover hearing aids for adults, some cover them only for children, and some do not cover them at all. A few states cover hearing aids through their Medicaid program but with limits on how often you can get new ones or how much they will pay.
To find out whether your state covers hearing aids through Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for a referral. You can also visit your state's Medicaid website directly — search "[your state] Medicaid hearing aids" to find the current rules.
Some states also run separate programs to help low-income seniors pay for hearing aids, even if they do not may have access to for Medicaid. These programs are often run through your state's health department or aging agency. A local Area Agency on Aging can tell you whether your state has one and how to reach it.
How much hearing aids cost and where to shop
Hearing aids are expensive. A single hearing aid typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, and most people need two (one for each ear), bringing the total to $2,000 to $6,000 or more. Some high-end models cost even more. The price depends on the technology level, the brand, and where you buy them.
You can buy hearing aids from an audiologist's office, from a hearing aid dispenser, or from some retail chains that now sell them. Prices and service vary. Some places include follow-up visits and adjustments in the price; others charge separately. Before you buy, ask what is included in the cost and whether there is a trial period where you can return them if they do not work for you.
If cost is a barrier, ask your doctor whether you might be a candidate for a hearing aid program run by a hearing aid manufacturer or a nonprofit. Some manufacturers offer discounts for people with limited income. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of programs that may help.
What to ask your doctor and your insurance plan
If you think you might need hearing aids, start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral to an audiologist. An audiologist can test your hearing and tell you whether hearing aids would help. This is different from the routine hearing exams some doctors do in the office.
At the same time, contact your Medicare plan to find out what hearing aid coverage you have. If you have Original Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about state programs in your area. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call the plan directly and ask: "What hearing aids do you cover, how much do I pay, and do I need a referral?" If you have Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office. Write down the answers and ask for them in writing if possible.
When to see a hearing specialist
See an audiologist if you notice you are turning up the television volume, asking people to repeat themselves often, or having trouble hearing in noisy places. These are common signs that a hearing test might be useful. You do not need to wait for your hearing to get worse.
If you have sudden hearing loss in one ear, see a doctor right away — this can be a medical emergency. If you have tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that is new or getting worse, also see a doctor to rule out an underlying condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing exams?
Medicare Part B covers a hearing and balance exam if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical problem — for example, to check for an infection or balance disorder. It does not cover routine hearing exams done to fit hearing aids. If you need a hearing test for hearing aids, you pay for it yourself, though some audiologists include it in the cost of the hearing aids.
Can I get hearing aids through the VA if I am a veteran?
Yes. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers hearing aids for veterans, and the coverage is often more generous than Medicare. If you are a veteran, contact your local VA medical center or call 1-800-827-1000 to ask about hearing aid services. You do not need to be on Medicare to use the VA.
What if I cannot afford hearing aids even with my insurance?
Contact your state's Area Agency on Aging to ask about state programs or nonprofits that help pay for hearing aids. Some hearing aid manufacturers offer discounts for people with limited income. The Hearing Loss Association of America also has information about financial help. Your audiologist may know of local programs too.
Do over-the-counter hearing aids count as Medicare coverage?
No. Over-the-counter hearing aids are not covered by Medicare, and they are not the same as prescription hearing aids fit by an audiologist. Some people find them helpful for mild hearing loss, but they are not a substitute for a professional hearing test and fitting. Medicare does not cover them.
If I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan for hearing aid coverage, can I switch back to Original Medicare later?
You can switch back to Original Medicare during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year), but you cannot switch back to the same Medigap plan you had before without going through underwriting again. If you are thinking about switching plans for hearing aid coverage, ask the plan how long you need to stay enrolled before switching, and whether the hearing aid benefit is worth the change.