Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited — Original Medicare does not pay for them, but Medicare Advantage plans sometimes do
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or the exams to fit them. This is one of the clearest gaps in Medicare coverage. However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include hearing aid coverage as an added benefit, though the amount and type of coverage varies widely by plan and by year.
If you have Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you pay the full cost out of pocket. A single hearing aid typically costs between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on the technology and features. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan directly to find out whether hearing aids are covered and what you would pay.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing tests related to fitting them, and this has not changed.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids as an added benefit, but coverage varies by plan and changes year to year.
- If you have Original Medicare, you can purchase hearing aids directly from a private provider and pay the full cost yourself.
- Your state may offer hearing aid programs for older adults with low income, separate from Medicare.
How to learn about your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the easiest way to know whether hearing aids are covered is to call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Ask specifically whether the plan covers hearing aids, what the out-of-pocket cost is, and whether you need a referral to see an audiologist or hearing aid provider.
You can also review your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which lists all covered services. This document is mailed to you each fall during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, or you can find it on your plan's website. Look for a section on hearing services or durable medical equipment.
If your current plan does not cover hearing aids and you want coverage, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). Plans that do cover hearing aids often limit the benefit — for example, covering one hearing aid per ear every two or three years, or capping the amount they will pay.
What to expect if you buy a hearing aid without Medicare coverage
Without insurance coverage, you will work directly with a hearing aid provider or audiologist. The process usually starts with a hearing test, which costs $0 to $200 depending on the provider. The test tells you what type and strength of hearing aid you need.
Hearing aids themselves range widely in price and features. Basic models may cost $1,000 to $2,000 per ear. More advanced models with wireless connectivity, noise reduction, or rechargeable batteries can cost $3,000 to $6,000 per ear. Many providers offer payment plans or discounts if you buy both ears at once. Some also offer a trial period (usually 30 days) so you can return the hearing aid if it does not work for you.
If cost is a barrier, ask the provider whether they have any discounts, bundle deals, or refurbished models available. Some providers also participate in manufacturer rebate programs that can reduce the price.
State programs and other sources of help with hearing aid costs
Several states run hearing aid programs specifically for older adults with limited income. These programs are separate from Medicare and may cover part or all of the cost of hearing aids. Your state's Department of Health or Department of Aging can tell you whether such a program exists in your state and how to reach it.
You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging, which can point you toward local resources. To find your Area Agency on Aging, call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov.
Some nonprofit organizations, including the Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, maintain lists of low-cost or sliding-scale hearing aid providers in your area. Lions Clubs International also funds hearing aid programs in many communities.
The difference between a hearing aid and a hearing aid fitting exam
Medicare does not cover either the hearing aid itself or the exam to fit it. However, Medicare does cover a diagnostic hearing and balance exam if your doctor orders it because you have a medical symptom — for example, sudden hearing loss or dizziness. This is different from a routine hearing test to see whether you need a hearing aid.
If your doctor refers you for a diagnostic exam, Medicare Part B covers 80 percent of the cost after you meet your deductible, and you pay 20 percent. But if you are straightforward getting a hearing test to find out what hearing aid you need, that is not covered, and you pay the full cost.
What happens when you turn 65 and switch to Medicare
If you currently have hearing aid coverage through a work-based health plan and you turn 65, your coverage will change when you enroll in Medicare. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, so if you switch to Original Medicare, you will lose that coverage. If you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan, you may regain coverage — but only if that specific plan includes it.
Before you turn 65, review the Medicare Advantage plans available in your area to see which ones cover hearing aids. You can compare plans on Medicare.gov using the Plan Finder tool. If hearing aid coverage is important to you, this is one factor to consider when choosing between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Medicare to pay for a hearing test?
Medicare covers a diagnostic hearing and balance exam only if your doctor orders it because you have a medical symptom like sudden hearing loss. A routine hearing test to determine whether you need a hearing aid is not covered. You pay the full cost of a routine fitting exam.
Do all Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids?
No. Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage as an added benefit, but many do not. Coverage varies by plan, by region, and by year. You must check your specific plan's documents or call customer service to find out.
If my plan covers hearing aids, do I have to use a specific provider?
That depends on your plan. Some plans have a network of approved hearing aid providers and require you to use one of them. Others allow you to go to any provider and will reimburse you up to a certain amount. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find out.
What if I cannot afford a hearing aid even with help?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (call 1-800-677-1116 to find yours) or your state's Department of Aging. Some states have programs that cover hearing aids for older adults with low income. You can also ask a hearing aid provider about payment plans, discounts, or refurbished models.
Can I switch Medicare plans 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 switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan. You can also switch during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31.