Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans do
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for hearing aids or the exams to fit them. This has been true for decades and remains true in 2024. If you are on Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you will pay the full cost out of pocket — typically $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, depending on the type and features.
However, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are allowed to cover hearing aids as an extra benefit. Some do; many do not. Coverage varies widely by plan, by state, and by year. A plan that covers hearing aids in 2023 may not in 2024, or may cover them differently. You need to check your specific plan's details, not assume based on what you had before.
Original Medicare does cover the medical exam if a doctor suspects hearing loss is caused by a medical condition — for example, an ear infection or sudden hearing loss. It does not cover routine hearing tests done by an audiologist for the purpose of fitting hearing aids.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings under any circumstances in 2024.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage as an optional extra benefit, but coverage details and amounts vary by plan and change year to year.
- You can find out whether your specific Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids by calling the plan directly or checking your plan documents.
- If you are on Original Medicare and cannot afford hearing aids, some nonprofit organizations and state programs offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids.
How to learn about your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids
Call your Medicare Advantage plan's customer service number — it is on your insurance card. Ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, how much does it cover, and do I need a referral?" Write down the answer, including any limits on how often you can get new aids or how much the plan will pay.
You can also read your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which lists what is and is not covered. This document is mailed to you each fall during open enrollment and is available on your plan's website. Look for the section on hearing services or durable medical equipment.
If you are shopping for a new Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year), hearing aid coverage can be one factor in your choice. The Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov lets you search plans by coverage type, though you will still need to call the plan to confirm the exact details.
What Medicare Advantage plans typically cover for hearing
Plans that do cover hearing aids usually offer one of these structures: a fixed dollar amount per ear per year (for example, $500 per ear), a percentage of the cost after you meet a deductible, or a set number of hearing aids per year (often one pair every two or three years). Some plans cover the hearing test; others do not.
A few plans cover hearing aids through a network of preferred providers — meaning you get better coverage if you use a specific audiologist or hearing aid company. If you use an out-of-network provider, the plan may cover less or nothing. Ask whether your plan has a network and whether your current audiologist is in it.
Coverage limits matter. A plan that pays $1,000 toward a $4,000 pair of hearing aids leaves you responsible for $3,000. Some plans cap coverage at a lower amount. Others require you to try less expensive options first before covering premium models.
What to do if your plan does not cover hearing aids
If you are on Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan without hearing aid coverage, you have several options. Some people buy hearing aids directly from a private audiologist or hearing aid company and pay out of pocket. Prices vary; shopping around can save hundreds of dollars.
The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of programs that offer reduced-cost or free hearing aids based on financial need. Some state health departments run hearing aid programs for seniors with low income. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can connect you to programs in your state.
Some hearing aid manufacturers offer patient information programs if you cannot afford their devices. Costco and Sam's Club sell hearing aids at lower prices than many private audiologists, though you must be a member. Online retailers also exist, though fitting and follow-up care may be limited.
When Original Medicare does cover hearing-related care
Original Medicare covers a doctor's visit if you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, drainage, or other symptoms that suggest a medical problem rather than age-related hearing decline. It covers imaging (like an MRI or CT scan) if your doctor orders it to investigate the cause. It covers treatment for ear infections, earwax impaction, or other treatable conditions.
What it does not cover is a routine hearing test done by an audiologist for the purpose of fitting hearing aids, or the hearing aids themselves. The distinction matters: if your doctor suspects a medical cause, the exam is covered. If you straightforward want to know whether you need hearing aids, it is not.
Changes to Medicare hearing coverage you should know about
In recent years, more Medicare Advantage plans have begun offering hearing aid coverage as a way to attract members. However, this trend is not universal, and coverage remains inconsistent. Some plans have added coverage; others have removed it or reduced the amount they pay.
Congress has discussed expanding Original Medicare to cover hearing aids, but as of 2024, no such change has taken effect. Any future change would require new legislation and would not happen automatically — you would need to enroll in the new benefit if it became available.
Because Medicare Advantage plans change their benefits each year, you should review your coverage during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). If hearing aids are important to you, this is a good time to compare plans and switch if a different plan offers better coverage.
Questions to ask your doctor or audiologist
If your doctor thinks you may have hearing loss, ask whether it could be caused by a medical condition that Medicare would cover treating. Ask for a referral to an audiologist if you need a hearing test. If you are considering hearing aids, ask the audiologist about the cost, the warranty, the trial period, and what happens if the aids do not work well for you.
Ask your audiologist whether they work with any Medicare Advantage plans or whether they offer payment plans. Some audiologists offer discounts for cash payment or for buying two aids at once. It is reasonable to ask about cost and to shop around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part B cover hearing tests?
No, not for routine hearing loss. Part B covers a hearing test only if your doctor orders it to investigate a medical problem — such as sudden hearing loss, ear infection, or dizziness — and the test is done in a medical setting. A hearing test done by an audiologist to fit hearing aids is not covered.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans if my current plan stops covering hearing aids?
Yes. During the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare. You can also switch plans if you move to a new state or if your plan is leaving Medicare. Outside these windows, switching is limited.
What if I buy hearing aids and then my plan changes its coverage?
If your plan reduces or removes hearing aid coverage after you have already bought aids, the change does not affect aids you already own. However, when you need new aids in the future, the new coverage rules will explore. This is another reason to review your plan's benefits each year.
Are there any federal programs that help pay for hearing aids?
No federal program specifically pays for hearing aids outside of Medicare Advantage plans. However, some state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids for seniors who may have access to financially. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can tell you whether your state has a program and how to contact it.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for hearing aids?
Yes, if you have an HSA, you can withdraw money tax-free to pay for hearing aids and related care. However, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan to have an HSA, which is not available to most people on Medicare. Ask your plan administrator whether you are may be able to access.