Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids, but it does cover the exam to test your hearing
Medicare Part B covers a hearing test (called an audiological exam) when your doctor orders it for a medical reason. It does not cover the cost of hearing aids themselves, the fitting, or the adjustments after you get them. This is true whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, though some Advantage plans add hearing coverage as an extra benefit.
The hearing test is covered at 80 percent after you meet your Part B deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent. If your doctor thinks you need a hearing aid based on that test, you will need to pay for the device out of pocket or through another source — Medicare will not reimburse you for it.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers the audiological exam your doctor orders, but not the hearing aid itself or any fitting costs.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage as an optional add-on, so check your plan documents or call your plan to ask.
- Veterans, Medicaid recipients, and people with low incomes may have other programs that cover hearing aids outside of Medicare.
- Hearing aids typically cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per pair, and you usually need two for better hearing.
What the hearing test covers and what it costs
When your primary care doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist orders an audiological exam, Medicare Part B pays for it as a diagnostic test. The audiologist performs the exam in their office, and you do not need a referral. The test checks how well you hear at different volumes and pitches.
You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your deductible is met. The deductible for Part B in 2024 is $240 per year. Once you have paid that, you owe 20 percent of the exam cost. The actual amount varies by location and the specific tests done, but a basic hearing test typically costs Medicare $50 to $150, meaning your 20 percent share is usually $10 to $30.
If you have a Medigap or other supplemental insurance, it may cover some or all of that 20 percent. Check your plan documents or call your supplemental insurer to confirm.
Why Medicare Part B excludes hearing aids
Congress decided in 1989 that hearing aids are not medically necessary in the way that, for example, a pacemaker or insulin is. That decision has not changed, even though hearing loss affects millions of older adults and untreated hearing loss is linked to falls, isolation, and cognitive decline. The exclusion applies to all forms of Original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans.
This is different from other sensory aids: Medicare does cover eyeglasses after cataract surgery and does cover some diabetic supplies. Hearing aids remain excluded because of that 1989 policy, not because of cost or because the technology is experimental.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing coverage
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing aid coverage as an optional benefit. The coverage varies widely — some plans cover one pair of hearing aids every two or three years, others cover two pairs per year, and some cover a dollar amount (for example, $500 per year) that you can use toward devices or services.
To find out whether your plan covers hearing aids, check the plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which you can find on Medicare.gov or request from your plan directly. You can also call your plan's customer service number and ask specifically: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, how much per year and how often?" Write down the answer and the date you called.
If you are thinking about switching plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year), hearing coverage can be one reason to compare plans. Plans that offer hearing benefits often charge a higher monthly premium, so weigh that cost against what you would pay out of pocket for hearing aids.
Other programs that may cover hearing aids
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids through the VA health system. You must be enrolled in VA health care to use this benefit. Contact your local VA medical center or call 1-800-827-1000 to learn about enrollment.
If you receive Medicaid (the joint federal-state program for people with low income), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Coverage varies by state — some states cover them fully, others cover them partially, and a few do not cover them at all. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask what your state covers.
Some nonprofit organizations and hearing aid manufacturers offer discounts or payment plans. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) maintains a list of resources by state. Some audiologists also offer financing options that let you pay for hearing aids over time.
What to expect if you need a hearing aid
If your hearing test shows you need a hearing aid, an audiologist will discuss options with you. Hearing aids range from about $1,000 to $6,000 per device, and most people need two (one for each ear) for the best results. The cost usually includes the device, fitting, programming, and follow-up adjustments for a set period (often one year).
Some audiologists work in medical offices (like an ENT's office), while others have independent practices. Prices and what is included in the cost vary, so it is worth asking several audiologists what their fees cover and whether they offer payment plans or discounts.
After you get hearing aids, you will need occasional adjustments and battery replacements or charging. These ongoing costs are also your responsibility unless your plan covers them.
Questions to ask your doctor and your plan
Before your hearing test, ask your doctor why they are ordering it and whether they think you will need a hearing aid. After the test, ask the audiologist to explain the results in plain language and to write down what type of hearing loss you have.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call the plan before you buy a hearing aid and ask: "If I need a hearing aid, does my plan cover it?" Get the answer in writing if possible. If you have Original Medicare, ask whether your supplemental insurance covers any hearing aid costs.
If cost is a barrier, ask your audiologist about payment plans, manufacturer discounts, or nonprofit resources in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Medicare to pay for a hearing aid if my doctor says I need one?
No. Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids even with a doctor's order. It only covers the test that determines whether you need one. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover hearing aids, so check your specific plan.
Will my Medigap insurance pay for a hearing aid?
Most Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids because Original Medicare does not cover them. However, some Medigap insurers offer separate hearing discount programs. Call your Medigap insurer and ask whether they have a hearing benefit or discount program outside of your main policy.
What if I cannot afford a hearing aid?
Ask your audiologist about payment plans, manufacturer rebates, or refurbished devices. The Hearing Loss Association of America has a state-by-state resource guide. If you are a veteran, the VA covers hearing aids. If you have low income, check whether your state's Medicaid program covers them.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to get a hearing test?
No, but Medicare only covers the test if your doctor orders it for a medical reason. You cannot go directly to an audiologist and have Medicare pay for the test without a doctor's order. Schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor first and ask them to order the test.
How often does Medicare cover a hearing test?
Medicare covers a hearing test when your doctor orders it for a medical reason, but there is no set frequency. If your hearing changes or your doctor thinks you need another test, they can order one. Medicare will cover it the same way as the first test.