Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids. Medicare will pay for a hearing test ordered by your doctor to diagnose a medical problem, but the hearing aids themselves are not covered under the standard program. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), coverage varies by plan — some offer partial or full coverage for hearing aids, while others offer none.
This is one of the larger gaps in Medicare coverage. Many seniors find hearing aids expensive, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per pair depending on the type and features. Understanding what your specific plan covers, and what other options exist, can help you make a plan that fits your budget.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, though it does cover hearing tests if your doctor orders them for a medical reason.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but you need to check your individual plan's summary to know what yours covers.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, and may be able to access is separate from Medicare may be able to access.
- Veterans, AARP members, and people with low incomes have other routes to lower-cost or free hearing aids.
What Original Medicare covers for hearing
Original Medicare covers a hearing test (audiometry) if your primary care doctor or another physician orders it to diagnose or treat a medical condition. The test itself is covered at no cost to you beyond your Part B deductible and coinsurance. This is different from a routine hearing screening — the test must be medically necessary, not just a check-up.
Once the test is done and hearing loss is confirmed, Medicare stops. The hearing aids, the fitting, the adjustments, the batteries, and the repairs are all your responsibility. This means many seniors pay out of pocket for the devices themselves, even though Medicare paid for the diagnosis.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing aid coverage
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are run by private insurance companies and can offer benefits that Original Medicare does not. Some plans include hearing aid coverage as an added benefit. The amount covered, the number of aids per year, and which brands or styles are covered all depend on the specific plan you choose.
To find out what your plan covers, look at your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which your plan sends each year. You can also call the plan's customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, how much?" Write down the answer and the date you called, in case you need to refer back to it later.
If you are thinking about switching plans during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), hearing aid coverage can be one factor to compare. Some plans offer it; others do not. Plans that do offer it may have limits on how often you can get new aids or how much they will pay.
Medicaid coverage for hearing aids
Medicaid is a separate program from Medicare, and it covers hearing aids in most states. You can have both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time — this is called "dual may be able to access." If you have both, Medicaid may cover hearing aids even though Medicare does not.
Medicaid may be able to access and coverage rules vary by state. Some states cover hearing aids for all ages; others limit coverage to children. Some states cover two aids per year; others cover one every few years. To find out what your state covers, contact your state Medicaid office or visit your state's Medicaid website. You can also call 211 and ask for a referral to your local Medicaid office.
If you think you might be may be able to access for Medicaid, the process process is separate from Medicare. You explore through your state, not through Medicare. The income and resource limits are different from Medicare's rules, so you may may have access to for Medicaid even if you do not may have access to for other information programs.
Other ways to pay for hearing aids
Veterans who served on active duty may be covered through the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs), which does cover hearing aids. Contact your local VA medical center or call the Veterans Benefits hotline to ask about your coverage.
AARP members can access discounted hearing aids through the AARP Hearing Care Program, which partners with hearing aid retailers. The discount is not the same as coverage, but it can lower the out-of-pocket cost. You must be an AARP member to use this benefit.
People with low incomes may be able to get free or low-cost hearing aids through nonprofit organizations. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of programs by state. Some local health departments and community health centers also offer reduced-cost hearing aids or can refer you to programs that do.
Hearing aid manufacturers sometimes offer patient information programs for people who cannot afford their products. If you have found a hearing aid you want but cannot pay for it, ask the audiologist or hearing aid dispenser whether the manufacturer has a program you might be may be able to access for.
What to ask your doctor about hearing loss
If you think you have hearing loss, start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral to a hearing test. Your doctor can order the test, which Medicare will cover. During the test, an audiologist will measure how well you hear at different volumes and frequencies.
After the test, ask your doctor or the audiologist these questions: What type of hearing loss do I have? Will it get worse? What are my options for treatment? Are there any medical causes that can be treated instead of or in addition to hearing aids? This information will help you decide whether hearing aids are right for you and what type might work best.
If your doctor recommends hearing aids, ask whether they can refer you to a hearing aid dispenser who offers payment plans or discounts. Some dispensers work with manufacturers' information programs or offer their own financing options.
When to seek care for hearing loss
Hearing loss often develops slowly, and many people do not notice it at first. Family members may notice before you do — they might say you turn the TV up too loud or ask you to repeat things often. If this sounds familiar, ask your doctor for a hearing test.
Sudden hearing loss — losing hearing in one or both ears over a few days — is a medical emergency. If this happens, call your doctor or go to an urgent care or emergency room the same day. Sudden hearing loss can sometimes be treated if caught quickly, but waiting can reduce the chance of recovery.
Hearing loss that comes with dizziness, ringing in the ears, or ear pain also needs prompt attention. These can be signs of other medical conditions that need diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefit at any hearing aid store?
No. Most Medicare Advantage plans that cover hearing aids have a network of approved providers. You will get the best coverage if you go to a provider in your plan's network. If you go out of network, you may pay more or get no coverage at all. Call your plan to ask for a list of in-network hearing aid providers near you.
Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aid batteries. Some Medicare Advantage plans that cover hearing aids may also cover batteries, but you need to check your plan's details. If you use hearing aids, budget for battery costs — they are an ongoing expense.
What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?
If you have both, Medicaid may cover hearing aids even though Medicare does not. Medicaid is the primary payer for services it covers. Contact your state Medicaid office to find out what hearing aid coverage is available to you and how to request it.
Are there hearing aids that cost less than the standard ones?
Yes. Over-the-counter hearing aids are now available without a prescription and cost less than prescription hearing aids — usually between $200 and $1,000 per pair. They work best for mild to moderate hearing loss. A hearing test can tell you whether an over-the-counter aid might work for you, or whether you need a prescription device.
What should I do if I cannot afford hearing aids?
Start by calling 211 and asking about hearing aid programs in your area. Ask your doctor whether you may have access to for Medicaid or whether the hearing aid manufacturer offers a patient information program. Check whether you are may be able to access for AARP membership discounts. Some nonprofit organizations and community health centers also offer reduced-cost or free hearing aids based on income.