AARP Medicare Plans and Hearing Aid Coverage

AARP Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) vary in what they cover for hearing aids, but most include some hearing benefit that Original Medicare does not. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams at all. If you have an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage depends on which specific plan you chose — some plans cover hearing aids fully or partially, while others offer only a hearing exam benefit or a discount on hearing aids purchased through a network provider.

The amount AARP plans cover for hearing aids ranges widely. Some plans may cover up to a certain dollar amount per ear per year (amounts vary by plan and region), while others may cover a percentage of the cost. A few plans cover hearing exams but require you to pay out of pocket for the aids themselves. You need to check your individual plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document or call AARP directly to know what your plan actually covers.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing exams, but many AARP Medicare Advantage plans do offer some hearing benefit.
  • Coverage amounts and what is covered (exams, aids, or both) differ by plan, so you must check your specific plan documents or call AARP.
  • If your plan covers hearing aids, you usually must use a provider in the plan's network to receive the benefit.
  • If you have Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you pay the full cost out of pocket unless you purchase a standalone hearing aid discount plan.

How AARP Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Hearing

AARP offers Medicare Advantage plans in many states, and each plan sets its own hearing benefit. Some AARP plans include coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids as part of the base plan. Others offer hearing as an optional add-on benefit you can purchase for an extra monthly premium. A third group covers only the exam, leaving you to pay for aids yourself.

When a plan does cover hearing aids, the coverage usually works like this: you visit a hearing provider in the plan's network, get tested, and the plan pays a set amount toward the cost of the aids. You pay any amount above what the plan covers. The plan may limit coverage to one pair of aids per ear per year, or it may have a different schedule. Some plans cover both ears in one year; others spread the benefit across two years.

Finding Your Specific Plan's Hearing Coverage

The only way to know what your AARP plan covers is to look at your plan documents or contact AARP directly. Call the member services number on your insurance card, or visit the AARP Medicare website and log into your account. Ask specifically: Does my plan cover hearing exams? Does it cover hearing aids? If yes, how much does it cover per ear per year? Do I have to use a network provider?

Your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document lists all covered services and any limits. This document is sent to you when you first enroll and is updated each year. If you cannot find it, AARP can mail you a copy or show it to you online. Read the section labeled "Hearing Services" or "Hearing Aids" — it will tell you the exact benefit.

Using Your Hearing Benefit Through AARP

If your plan covers hearing aids, the process usually starts with a referral or a call to a network hearing provider. Some AARP plans have a list of preferred hearing providers on their website; others require you to call member services for a referral. You cannot straightforward walk into any hearing aid store and expect the plan to pay — you must use a provider the plan has contracted with.

When you visit the network provider, bring your insurance card and ask them to verify your benefit before the exam. They will tell you how much the plan covers and how much you will owe. After the exam, if you need aids, the provider will fit you and submit the claim to AARP. The plan pays its share directly to the provider, and you pay your share at the time of purchase or as arranged.

What to Do If Your Plan Does Not Cover Hearing Aids

If you have an AARP Medicare Advantage plan that does not include hearing aid coverage, or if you have Original Medicare, you have other options. You can purchase a standalone hearing aid discount plan through organizations like the American Association of Retired Persons (which offers a hearing discount program) or through retailers like Costco, which offers hearing aids at lower prices to members. These are not insurance — you pay out of pocket but at a reduced rate.

You can also look into whether your state has a hearing aid information program for older adults or people with low income. Some states fund programs that help pay for hearing aids. Contact your state's Department of Aging or your local Area Agency on Aging to ask whether such a program exists in your area.

Costs You May Pay Out of Pocket

Even if your AARP plan covers hearing aids, you will likely pay something. Most plans do not cover 100 percent of the cost. A typical hearing aid costs between $1,000 and $6,000 per ear, depending on the technology and features. If your plan covers $500 per ear per year, you would pay the difference. Some plans have a copay or coinsurance instead of a dollar limit — for example, you might pay 20 percent of the cost after the plan pays 80 percent.

Ask the hearing provider for a cost estimate before you proceed. They should be able to tell you what the plan will pay and what you will owe. If the out-of-pocket cost is too high, ask the provider whether they have payment plans or financing options available.

Switching Plans to Get Better Hearing Coverage

If your current AARP Medicare Advantage plan has no hearing benefit and you need hearing aids, you can switch to a different plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year). You can compare AARP plans available in your area on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Look at the plan details for each option and note which ones include hearing benefits.

Keep in mind that switching plans means changing your doctor network and possibly your pharmacy. Make sure the new plan also covers your other health needs before you switch solely for the hearing benefit. If you switch, the change takes effect January 1 of the following year, so plan ahead if you need hearing aids soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Original Medicare cover hearing aids?

No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. You would pay the full cost out of pocket. Some Medicare Advantage plans, including some AARP plans, do cover hearing aids, but Original Medicare does not.

Can I use any hearing aid provider, or do I have to use one in the AARP network?

You must use a provider in your plan's network to receive the benefit. If you use an out-of-network provider, the plan will not pay, and you will owe the full cost. Always verify that a provider is in-network before you schedule an appointment.

How often does AARP cover new hearing aids?

This varies by plan. Some plans cover one pair of aids per ear per year; others cover one pair per ear every two years. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage or call AARP member services to find out your specific plan's schedule.

What if I need hearing aids but my AARP plan does not cover them?

You can purchase a standalone hearing aid discount plan, shop at retailers like Costco that offer lower prices, or look into state hearing aid information programs. You can also switch to a different AARP plan during the Annual Enrollment Period if a plan with hearing coverage is available in your area.

Will my hearing aid benefit change next year?

AARP plans can change their benefits each year. Your plan will send you a notice of changes in September or October. Review it carefully to see whether your hearing benefit is staying the same, improving, or being reduced. If it is being reduced and you need hearing aids, you may want to switch plans during Annual Enrollment.