Original Medicare covers hearing exams but not hearing aids themselves
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) will pay for a hearing test ordered by your doctor, but it does not cover the cost of hearing aids or the fitting appointment. This has been true for decades. If you have Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you will pay the full cost yourself — typically between $1,000 and $6,000 per aid, depending on the type and features.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely by plan and by year. A few plans cover one or both aids in full; others cover a portion; many cover nothing. The amount covered, if any, also depends on whether you choose an in-network provider.
If you are on Original Medicare and cannot afford hearing aids, there are other routes to explore: state programs, non-profit organizations, and manufacturer information programs that do not depend on your insurance status.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare covers the hearing test itself but not the hearing aids or the fitting visit, leaving you to pay the full device cost out of pocket.
- Medicare Advantage plans sometimes cover hearing aids, but the amount varies by plan, year, and whether you use in-network providers — you must check your specific plan's documents.
- State hearing aid programs, non-profit organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America, and manufacturer rebate programs can help reduce or cover the cost if you do not have coverage.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states for adults, though income and asset limits explore and vary by state.
How Original Medicare handles hearing care
Medicare Part B covers a hearing test (called an audiological exam) when your doctor orders it for a medical reason — for example, if you report hearing loss or balance problems. Your doctor must refer you to an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), and Medicare pays 80 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent.
The hearing test itself is covered. The appointment to fit and adjust hearing aids is not. Neither is the device. If your audiologist recommends hearing aids after the exam, you will receive a bill for the aids, the fitting visit, and any follow-up adjustments — all out of pocket.
Some people mistakenly believe that because Medicare covers the test, it will cover the aids. It does not. The coverage stops at diagnosis.
What Medicare Advantage plans may cover
Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits. Some plans include hearing aid coverage; others do not. Plans that do cover hearing aids may offer:
- A set dollar amount per ear per year (for example, $500 per aid)
- Coverage for one or both aids
- Coverage only through in-network providers
- A limit on how often you can get new aids (for example, once every three years)
Coverage details change every year. Your plan's coverage this year may be different next year. The only way to know what your specific plan covers is to check your plan documents or call the plan directly. Look for the section titled "Hearing Services" or "Durable Medical Equipment" in your plan's coverage guide, or ask the plan's customer service line whether hearing aids are covered and what the dollar limit is.
If you are switching plans during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), hearing aid coverage can be one factor in choosing a new plan. Some people specifically select a plan because of its hearing aid benefit.
Medicaid and hearing aid coverage
Medicaid, the joint federal-state program for people with low income, covers hearing aids in most states for adults. However, Medicaid is run by each state, so coverage rules, income limits, and the amount covered vary significantly. Some states cover both aids; others cover one. Some require prior approval from the state before you purchase; others reimburse you after.
To find out whether your state's Medicaid covers hearing aids and what the income limits are, contact your state Medicaid office. You can find your state office through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for a referral.
If you are on both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid may cover hearing aids even if your Medicare Advantage plan does not. In that case, you would use your Medicaid coverage.
State programs and non-profit organizations that help with hearing aid costs
Many states run hearing aid programs specifically for people who cannot afford them. These programs are separate from Medicare and Medicaid. They typically serve people above the Medicaid income limit but below a higher threshold set by the state. Some programs are free; others charge a small fee based on income.
The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of state programs and can tell you whether your state has one and how to contact it. You can also search online for "[your state] hearing aid program" or call your state's health department.
Non-profit organizations like the Lions Club and the Rotary Club also fund hearing aid purchases in some communities. Hearing aid manufacturers sometimes offer rebates or payment plans to reduce the upfront cost. If you are uninsured or underinsured, ask your audiologist whether the manufacturer of the recommended aid offers any information programs.
How to find out what your plan covers
If you have Original Medicare, you already know the answer: hearing aids are not covered. Your next step is to explore the state and non-profit options above.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to check your plan's coverage. Do not assume it covers hearing aids just because it covers other services. Here is how to find out:
- Look at your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document (usually mailed to you each fall or available on the plan's website).
- Search for "hearing" or look under "Durable Medical Equipment" or "Hearing Services."
- If you cannot find it in the document, call your plan's customer service number (on the back of your insurance card) and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, what is the dollar limit per ear per year, and do I need to use an in-network provider?"
- Write down the answer and the date you called, in case you need to refer back to it.
If your plan does cover hearing aids, ask whether you need prior approval before purchasing. Some plans require you to get approval from the plan before you buy the aid; others let you purchase and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
What to do if your plan does not cover hearing aids
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that does not cover hearing aids, you have several options. You can stay with your current plan and pay out of pocket, or you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) if another plan in your area offers hearing aid coverage.
You can also switch back to Original Medicare during the annual enrollment period. If you do, you will lose any extra benefits your Medicare Advantage plan offered (like dental or vision), but you will be free to use any audiologist and will not be subject to the plan's hearing aid limits.
Regardless of which Medicare option you have, you can also pursue state programs, non-profit funding, and manufacturer information programs. These do not depend on your insurance and can help reduce the cost significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hearing aid through Medicare if I am on a fixed income?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids regardless of income. However, if your income is low enough, you may be on Medicaid, which covers hearing aids in most states. You can also look into your state's hearing aid program or non-profit information. Call your state Medicaid office or the Hearing Loss Association of America to learn what programs you may be able to use.
Do I need a prescription from my doctor to get a hearing aid?
No. You can see an audiologist directly without a doctor's referral and purchase a hearing aid. However, if you want Medicare to cover the hearing test that comes before the purchase, your doctor must order it. The test itself is covered; the aid is not.
If my Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, do I have to use their audiologist?
Most plans that cover hearing aids require you to use an in-network provider to receive the benefit. If you see an out-of-network audiologist, the plan will not cover the cost. Check your plan's documents or call customer service to confirm whether you must use in-network providers.
Can I switch to a different Medicare plan if my current plan does not cover hearing aids?
Yes. During the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan that does cover hearing aids, or you can switch back to Original Medicare. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year.
What if I cannot afford a hearing aid even with help from a program?
Some audiologists offer payment plans that let you pay for a hearing aid over several months. Hearing aid manufacturers sometimes offer refurbished or older-model aids at a lower cost. You can also ask your audiologist about loaner programs or trial periods. If cost is a barrier, be direct about it — your audiologist may know options you have not considered.