Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover the cost of hearing aids or the hearing tests you need to get them. This is one of the few health services Medicare leaves out entirely — even though hearing loss affects roughly one in three people over age 65.
Medicare Part B does cover a one-time hearing test if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical problem (not just to fit you for hearing aids). But the aids themselves, the fitting appointments, and the adjustments afterward are your responsibility to pay for.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), coverage varies by plan. Some plans do cover hearing aids, usually with a dollar limit per year or per ear. Others cover nothing. You need to check your specific plan's coverage details.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, hearing aid fittings, or routine hearing tests.
- Medicare Part B covers one diagnostic hearing test ordered by your doctor for a medical reason, but not for hearing aid fitting.
- Medicare Advantage plans vary widely — some cover hearing aids up to a set dollar amount per year, and others do not cover them at all.
- You can find what your specific plan covers by calling the plan's customer service number or checking your plan documents.
- Hearing aids typically cost $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, depending on the technology level and features.
How to check what your Medicare Advantage plan covers
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the first step is to look at your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document. This is the official document that lists what your plan pays for and what you pay. You can find it on your plan's website or request it by phone.
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, how much per year or per ear, and do I need a referral?" Write down the answer and the date you called. Plans change their coverage each year during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), so what was true last year may not be true now.
If your plan does cover hearing aids, ask whether you need to use an in-network provider or whether you can see any audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. Some plans require you to use specific providers to get the benefit.
What happens if your plan does not cover hearing aids
You have several options. You can pay out of pocket for hearing aids from any audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. Costs vary widely depending on the technology — basic models start around $1,000 per ear, while advanced digital hearing aids can cost $3,000 to $6,000 per ear.
Some hearing aid companies and audiologists offer payment plans or discounts for seniors. Ask about these when you call for a consultation. Some also offer a trial period (usually 30 to 45 days) so you can return the aids if they do not work for you.
You may also want to ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an audiologist. While Medicare does not cover the hearing aids themselves, your doctor can help you find a may have access to provider and may have information about local programs that help seniors with hearing aid costs.
State and local programs that may help with hearing aid costs
Some states run programs that provide hearing aids or financial help toward them for seniors with limited income. These programs vary by state and are not run by Medicare. Your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you whether your state has one and how to reach it. You can find your local agency by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Some nonprofit organizations also offer hearing aid programs. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of local chapters and programs. Your local Lions Club sometimes helps with hearing aid costs as well — this is a long-standing service they provide in many communities.
The difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage for hearing aids
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) has no hearing aid coverage at all. You pay 100 percent of the cost yourself.
Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits. Some add hearing aid coverage; others do not. The coverage amount, the out-of-pocket cost to you, and whether you need a referral all depend on which plan you choose.
If hearing aids are important to you, this is one reason to compare Medicare Advantage plans carefully during open enrollment. A plan that covers hearing aids might save you thousands of dollars over time, even if the monthly premium is slightly higher than another plan.
What to do if you need hearing aids now and cannot afford them
Start by calling your doctor's office and asking for a referral to an audiologist. Tell them cost is a concern. They may know about local programs or sliding-scale providers.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116) and ask whether your state has a hearing aid program or whether they know of nonprofits that help.
Call the Hearing Loss Association of America at 1-301-657-2248 or visit their website to find local chapters and programs in your area. Many chapters have information about low-cost or donated hearing aids.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call the plan and ask whether they cover hearing aids. Even if your current plan does not, you can switch to a different plan during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year) if another plan in your area does cover them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part D cover hearing aids?
No. Part D covers prescription medications only. Hearing aids are not medications and are not covered under any part of Original Medicare.
If my doctor says I need hearing aids for my health, does Medicare cover them?
No. Even if your doctor prescribes them, Original Medicare does not cover the cost. Medicare Advantage plans may cover them, but you need to check your specific plan.
Can I get a hearing test covered by Medicare to see if I need hearing aids?
Medicare Part B covers a hearing test only if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — for example, to check for an ear infection or balance problem. A routine hearing test to see if you need hearing aids is not covered. You would pay for that yourself.
What if I switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids?
You can switch plans during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7). Once your new plan starts (usually January 1), you can use the hearing aid benefit. Some plans have waiting periods or limits on how often you can get new aids, so read the details carefully.
Are there hearing aids that cost less than $1,000?
Over-the-counter hearing aids have become available in recent years and cost less than prescription hearing aids — sometimes $200 to $800 per pair. These work for mild to moderate hearing loss. They do not require a prescription or fitting by an audiologist. Talk to your doctor about whether an over-the-counter option might work for you.