Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is one of the largest gaps in Medicare coverage. If you need hearing aids, you will pay the full cost yourself unless you have additional coverage through a Medigap plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, or Medicaid.
The one exception is that Medicare Part B covers a hearing and balance exam if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — not for fitting or purchasing hearing aids. You pay 20% of the cost after you meet your Part B deductible, and the doctor's office must accept Medicare assignment.
This gap affects millions of seniors. Hearing aids range from $1,000 to $6,000 per pair depending on the type and features, and most people need two. Without coverage, cost is the main reason seniors delay or skip hearing aid treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, hearing exams for fitting, or the cost of adjustments and repairs.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but the amount and type vary widely by plan and region.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but income and asset limits explore and vary by state.
- If you cannot afford hearing aids, ask your doctor about referrals to community health centers, hearing aid banks, or state vocational rehabilitation programs.
Medicare Advantage plans sometimes include hearing aid coverage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are sold by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits. Many plans include some hearing aid coverage, though what they cover differs significantly.
Some plans cover a set dollar amount toward hearing aids each year — commonly $500 to $2,000 per ear. Others cover a percentage of the cost after you pay a copay. A few plans cover hearing aids through a network of preferred providers, meaning you save money if you use their list and pay more if you go elsewhere. Some plans cover hearing exams and adjustments; others do not.
You need to check your specific plan's coverage details. Call the customer service number on your Medicare Advantage card, or log into your plan's website and search for "hearing aids" or "audiology." Ask whether the plan covers hearing aids, how much it pays, whether you need a referral from your primary care doctor, and which providers are in-network. Coverage can change year to year, so check during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) if you are considering switching plans.
Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states
If you may have access to for both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid in your state may cover hearing aids even though Medicare does not. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, so coverage rules vary by state.
Most states cover hearing aids for adults, but some limit coverage to children or require that you try less expensive options first. Some states cover one hearing aid per ear every few years; others cover replacement and repair. A few states have waiting lists or require prior approval from a doctor.
To find out what your state's Medicaid program covers, contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can find the phone number at medicaid.gov under "Contact Your State." Have your Medicaid member ID ready. Ask specifically whether hearing aids are covered, how often you can get them, and whether you need a referral or prior approval.
Other ways to pay for hearing aids
If you do not have coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid, several other resources may help reduce the cost.
Hearing aid banks and donation programs collect used hearing aids and refurbish them, then distribute them free or at low cost to people who cannot afford new ones. The quality varies, but they can be a starting point. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory at hearingloss.org under "Get Help." You can also search online for "hearing aid bank near me" or call your local Area Agency on Aging to ask whether your community has one.
State vocational rehabilitation programs may cover hearing aids if hearing loss affects your ability to work. These programs are run by each state's department of rehabilitation services. Call your state's vocational rehabilitation office to ask whether you meet their criteria. You do not have to be currently employed; the program looks at whether hearing aids would help you work.
Community health centers sometimes offer discounted hearing exams and can refer you to affordable hearing aid providers. Search for "federally may have access to health center near me" or call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for hearing services in your area.
Hearing aid manufacturers sometimes offer patient information programs or discounts for people with low income. Ask the audiologist or hearing aid provider whether the manufacturer of the brand you are interested in has a program.
What to ask your doctor
If you think you have hearing loss, start by talking to your primary care doctor. They can rule out treatable causes (like earwax buildup or infection) and refer you to an audiologist for testing.
Ask your doctor: "Do I need a referral to see an audiologist?" (Some Medicare Advantage plans require one.) "Are there community resources or information programs you know about?" and "If I get hearing aids, will Medicare or my plan cover any of the cost?" Your doctor may know about local programs or manufacturers' information that you would not find on your own.
If your doctor refers you to an audiologist, ask the audiologist's office upfront whether they accept your insurance and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. Get a written quote before you commit to purchasing hearing aids.
When to seek care for hearing loss
Hearing loss often develops slowly, and many people do not realize how much they are missing. If you notice yourself turning up the television volume, asking people to repeat themselves often, or avoiding social situations because you cannot hear well, it is time to have your hearing tested.
Untreated hearing loss is linked to isolation, depression, and cognitive decline in older adults. The sooner you address it, the better you adjust to hearing aids and the more you benefit from them. Do not wait until hearing loss significantly affects your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefit at any audiologist?
That depends on your plan. Some plans let you see any audiologist and reimburse you; others require you to use in-network providers. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find out. If you have already chosen an audiologist, ask their office whether they are in-network for your plan.
Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?
Yes, Medicare Part B covers cochlear implants and the surgery to place them if you meet specific medical criteria. Your doctor must document that you have severe-to-profound hearing loss in both ears and that you have tried hearing aids without adequate benefit. The procedure is covered at 80% after you meet your Part B deductible.
What if I cannot afford hearing aids even with information programs?
Start with your local Area Agency on Aging (call 211 to find yours) and ask about all local resources. Some nonprofits offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees. Some audiologists offer older, simpler hearing aid models at lower cost. A hearing aid bank may have refurbished aids available. Explore all options before deciding you cannot move forward.
Will my hearing aid coverage change if I switch Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes, coverage can change. Each plan sets its own benefits, so a new plan may cover more, less, or different types of hearing aids. Review hearing aid coverage during the annual enrollment period before you switch plans, especially if hearing aids are important to you.