Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited — Original Medicare does not cover them, but some Medicare Advantage plans do
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for hearing aids or the exams needed to fit them. This has been true for decades, and it remains the rule for most people on traditional Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, though the amount and the rules vary by plan and by year.
The gap between what Medicare covers and what hearing aids actually cost means most people on Medicare either pay out of pocket, look for coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, or find a discount program. Understanding which path applies to you depends on which type of Medicare you have and what your plan includes.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or hearing exams, and this rule has not changed.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely — you need to check your specific plan's documents to know what you get.
- If your plan does cover hearing aids, you typically pay a copay or coinsurance rather than the full cost, and you must use an in-network provider.
- People on Original Medicare can look into standalone hearing aid discount programs, which are separate from Medicare and can reduce the cost by 10 to 50 percent depending on the provider.
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing exams
If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medicare will not pay for hearing aids, hearing exams to fit them, or any related care. This includes both the device itself and the audiologist's time to test your hearing and adjust the aid. The rule applies whether you need one hearing aid or two, and whether the hearing loss is mild or severe.
Original Medicare also does not cover routine hearing exams — only exams that are part of treatment for a specific medical condition (such as sudden hearing loss from an infection) may be covered. In practice, this distinction rarely matters, because most hearing loss in older adults is age-related and not tied to a treatable medical event.
Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing aids — check your plan documents
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are run by private insurance companies under contract with Medicare. Unlike Original Medicare, some of these plans do cover hearing aids. However, coverage is not standard across all plans, and it changes from year to year. One plan may cover hearing aids with a $500 copay, while another covers them only partially or not at all.
The only way to know whether your specific plan covers hearing aids is to read your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which your plan mails to you each fall during the annual enrollment period. You can also call the plan's customer service number (on the back of your Medicare card) and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, what is my out-of-pocket cost?" Write down the answer and the date you called, in case you need to refer back to it.
If your Medicare Advantage plan does cover hearing aids, you will typically need to use an audiologist or hearing aid provider that is in the plan's network. Using an out-of-network provider usually means you pay the full cost yourself, even if the plan would have covered an in-network provider.
What you typically pay if your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids
If your plan includes hearing aid coverage, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan's design. Most plans that cover hearing aids require you to pay a copay (a fixed amount per visit or per device) or coinsurance (a percentage of the cost). Some plans also set an annual limit on how much they will pay toward hearing aids — for example, $1,000 or $2,000 per year.
A few Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids with no copay, but these are uncommon. More often, you might pay $50 to $200 per hearing aid as a copay, or you might pay 20 to 30 percent of the cost as coinsurance. The plan may also require you to pay for the initial hearing exam before the hearing aid benefit kicks in.
Some plans also limit coverage to one hearing aid per ear per year, or they may cover only certain brands or styles. Read your plan documents carefully, or ask your plan to send you the specific page about hearing aid coverage so you know exactly what you are responsible for.
Discount programs for people on Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare and your plan does not cover hearing aids, you have other options. Several organizations offer hearing aid discount programs that are separate from Medicare. These programs negotiate rates with hearing aid providers and audiologists, and members pay a reduced price at the point of sale.
The AARP Hearing Care Program is one example — it is available to AARP members and offers discounts on hearing aids and related services through a network of providers. The discount typically ranges from 10 to 50 percent off the retail price, depending on the provider and the device. You pay the discounted price directly to the provider; Medicare is not involved.
Other discount programs include those offered through organizations like the Miracle-Ear and Costco Hearing Aid Center. Costco offers hearing aids to members at set prices, which are often lower than retail prices elsewhere. These programs do not require you to have a specific insurance plan — you just need to be a member (or a Costco member, in that case) and pay out of pocket.
Steps to take if you need a hearing aid
Start by confirming what coverage you have. If you have Original Medicare, call your plan or check your documents to see whether you have a supplemental plan (Medigap) that might cover hearing aids — most do not, but it is worth asking. If you have Medicare Advantage, pull out your Summary of Benefits and Coverage or call your plan to find out what hearing aid coverage is included.
If your plan covers hearing aids, ask for a list of in-network providers in your area. If your plan does not cover them, or if you want to explore other options, research discount programs in your area. Many audiologists and hearing aid providers accept multiple discount programs, so you may have choices even outside of Medicare.
Once you have narrowed down your options, schedule a hearing exam with a provider. The exam will tell you whether you have hearing loss that would benefit from a hearing aid, and it will help the provider recommend the right device for your needs. Bring your insurance information and ask about the total cost before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medigap cover hearing aids?
Most Medigap (supplemental insurance) plans do not cover hearing aids. Medigap is designed to cover costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as copays and coinsurance, but it does not extend coverage to services that Medicare itself excludes. A few Medigap plans may offer a small hearing aid benefit, so check your plan documents or call your insurer to be sure.
Can I get hearing aids through Veterans Affairs if I am a veteran?
Yes. The VA covers hearing aids for veterans with service-connected hearing loss or other may have access to conditions. Coverage and may be able to access depend on your VA disability rating and your specific situation. Contact your local VA medical center or call the VA benefits line to learn whether you may have access to.
What if I cannot afford a hearing aid even with a discount?
Some audiologists and hearing aid providers offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months. You can also ask about refurbished or older-model hearing aids, which cost less than new ones. Some nonprofits and community health centers also offer low-cost or sliding-scale hearing services — search online for "hearing aid information" or "low-cost audiology" in your area.
Do I need a doctor's referral to get a hearing aid?
No. You can see an audiologist directly without a referral from your doctor. However, if you think your hearing loss might be caused by a medical condition (such as an ear infection or sudden hearing loss), see your doctor first — that visit may be covered by Medicare, and it could identify a treatable cause.
Will my hearing aid cost change if I switch Medicare plans?
Yes, it may. Different Medicare Advantage plans have different hearing aid benefits, so switching plans could change what you pay. Review the hearing aid coverage in any new plan before you enroll, especially if hearing aids are important to your health.