Medicare's Coverage of Hearing Aids
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for hearing aids or the exams to fit them. This is one of the larger gaps in Medicare coverage, and it affects millions of seniors. If you need a hearing aid, you will pay the full cost out of pocket — typically between $1,000 and $6,000 per device, depending on the type and features.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely by plan and by year. A few plans cover the full cost; most cover a portion and require you to use an audiologist in their network; some cover nothing. You need to check your specific plan's details, not assume based on what a neighbor's plan covers.
Medicare does cover a hearing test (called an audiological exam) if your doctor refers you for one and it is medically necessary — for example, if you have sudden hearing loss or an ear infection. The test itself is covered under Part B. What is not covered is the routine hearing test you might get at a hearing aid store to see if you need a device.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids, exams to fit them, or routine hearing tests.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids in full or in part, but you must check your plan documents or call the plan directly to know what yours covers.
- Medicare covers a hearing test only if your doctor refers you for a medical reason and it is billed as a diagnostic test, not a fitting exam.
- If you need a hearing aid and your plan does not cover it, you can buy one privately, use a hearing aid discount program, or look into state programs for the deaf and hard of hearing.
How to Find Out What Your Plan Covers
If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, the fastest way to know is to call the plan's customer service number on the back of your insurance card. Ask specifically: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, how much, and do I have to use a network provider?" Write down the answer and the date you called.
You can also check your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which is available on the plan's website or by mail. Search for "hearing" or "audiology" in the document. If the document does not mention hearing aids, that usually means they are not covered.
If you are in Original Medicare and want hearing aid coverage, you would need to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year). Keep in mind that switching plans means changing your doctors and pharmacies, so this decision should not rest on hearing aids alone.
What Happens If Your Plan Does Not Cover Hearing Aids
You have several options. The most straightforward is to buy a hearing aid privately from an audiologist or hearing aid retailer. Prices vary, and some retailers offer payment plans or discounts for cash purchases. It is worth getting quotes from more than one place.
Some states run programs for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and these programs sometimes help pay for hearing aids or connect you with discounted options. Contact your state's department of health or your state's division of services for the deaf and hard of hearing to ask what is available where you live.
Costco and Sam's Club both sell hearing aids at lower prices than many independent audiologists, and you do not have to be a member to buy them (though you do need a membership to enter the warehouse). The hearing aids are the same brands sold elsewhere, but the markup is smaller.
Some nonprofit organizations, including the Hearing Loss Association of America, maintain lists of low-cost or sliding-scale hearing aid providers in your area. Your local Area Agency on Aging may also know of resources.
The Difference Between a Hearing Test and a Fitting Exam
A diagnostic hearing test is ordered by your doctor when there is a medical reason to check your hearing — for example, if you have sudden hearing loss, ringing in your ears, or dizziness. Your doctor sends you to an audiologist or hospital, and Medicare Part B covers the test. You pay your Part B deductible and coinsurance (usually 20 percent of the cost).
A hearing aid fitting exam is what happens when you go to a hearing aid store or audiologist because you think you might need a hearing aid. This is not covered by Medicare, even if the same person performs the test. The distinction is the reason for the test, not the test itself.
If you are unsure whether your doctor's referral is for a diagnostic test or a fitting, ask your doctor's office before you go. They can tell you how it will be billed.
Medicare Advantage Plans With Hearing Aid Coverage
Not all Medicare Advantage plans are the same, and coverage changes from year to year. Some large national plans — including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna — offer hearing aid coverage in some regions but not others. Some regional plans cover hearing aids; others do not.
The only way to know what is available in your area is to compare plans during open enrollment. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak with someone who can walk you through the options.
When you compare plans, look not just at whether hearing aids are covered but at how much you pay out of pocket, whether you can see any audiologist or must use a network provider, and how often you can get new aids (some plans cover one pair every two or three years).
What to Ask Your Doctor About Hearing Loss
If you notice you are having trouble hearing, start with your primary care doctor. They can rule out treatable causes like earwax buildup or an ear infection, and they can refer you for a diagnostic hearing test if needed.
Ask your doctor: "Is my hearing loss something that could be caused by a medical condition?" and "Do you think I should have a hearing test?" If your doctor thinks a test is medically necessary, they will write a referral, and Medicare will cover the test.
Your doctor can also refer you to an audiologist for information, though the referral does not change what Medicare covers. An audiologist can tell you whether a hearing aid would help and what your options are.
When to Seek Care for Sudden Hearing Loss
Sudden hearing loss — losing hearing in one or both ears over hours or a few days — is a medical emergency. Call your doctor or go to an urgent care clinic the same day it happens. This type of hearing loss sometimes can be treated if you get help quickly, and it always qualifies for a Medicare-covered diagnostic test.
Do not wait to see if it gets better on its own. Even if it does improve, you should still see a doctor to find out why it happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a hearing aid through Medicaid if I am also on Medicare?
Some states cover hearing aids through Medicaid, and some do not. If you are may be able to access for both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid rules in your state explore. Contact your state Medicaid office or call your local Area Agency on Aging to find out whether your state covers hearing aids and what the process is.
Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?
Yes, Medicare covers cochlear implants and the surgery to place them if your doctor determines you are a candidate. Cochlear implants are different from hearing aids — they are surgically implanted devices for people with severe to profound hearing loss. Coverage includes the device, surgery, and follow-up care. Your doctor will refer you to a cochlear implant center if this is an option for you.
What if I buy a hearing aid and then my plan changes to cover them?
If you switch to a new Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids, the new plan will not reimburse you for a hearing aid you bought before you switched. Coverage starts on the date your new plan begins. Plan ahead if you know you are switching to a plan with hearing aid coverage.
Are there any grants or programs that pay for hearing aids for seniors?
Some nonprofits and state programs offer discounted or free hearing aids based on income, but these are not common and availability varies by location. The Hearing Loss Association of America and your state's division of services for the deaf and hard of hearing are the best places to start asking.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for a hearing aid?
Yes, if you have an HSA, you can use it to pay for hearing aids and related care. This applies whether you are in Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. Keep your receipts and documentation for tax purposes.