Medicare's Coverage of Hearing Aids

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or the fitting of hearing aids. This is a long-standing exclusion in the program. If you have Original Medicare and want hearing aids, you will pay the full cost out of pocket — typically between $1,000 and $6,000 per pair, 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; many cover a portion; others cover nothing. The amount covered, the number of aids per year, and which providers you can use all depend on your specific plan.

If you have Original Medicare and want to explore hearing aid coverage, your only option is to buy a separate Medigap policy that includes it — though very few Medigap plans do. You can also look into whether your state has a hearing aid information program for low-income seniors, or whether you may have access to for Veterans benefits if you served in the military.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids at any price, and this rule has not changed.
  • Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids, but you must check your specific plan's coverage before you buy.
  • If you have Original Medicare, a Medigap plan with hearing aid coverage exists but is uncommon and may be hard to find.
  • State programs and Veterans benefits may cover hearing aids if you meet income or service requirements.
  • Hearing aid costs range from $1,000 to $6,000 per pair when you pay out of pocket.

How to Check Your Medicare Advantage Plan's Hearing Aid Coverage

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the first step is to read your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document. This document lists what your plan covers and what you pay. You can find it on your plan's website, or you can call the plan's customer service number (on the back of your insurance card) and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, how much?"

When you call, ask for specifics: How many hearing aids per year does the plan cover? Do you need a referral from your primary care doctor? Which hearing aid providers are in-network, and what do you pay if you use an out-of-network provider? Some plans cover only one hearing aid per year; others cover two. Some require you to use a specific provider or network of providers.

If your plan does cover hearing aids, the coverage usually works like this: you see an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser in the plan's network, they fit you with aids, and you pay a copay or coinsurance (a percentage of the cost). The plan then pays its share directly to the provider. If you use an out-of-network provider, you may pay more or the plan may not cover it at all.

Original Medicare and Medigap Options

If you have Original Medicare and no supplemental coverage, you pay 100 percent of hearing aid costs. Medigap plans (also called Supplemental Insurance) are sold by private insurers and are designed to cover costs that Original Medicare does not. However, hearing aid coverage is not a standard Medigap benefit, and very few insurers offer it.

If you want to explore Medigap plans with hearing aid coverage, contact insurers directly or work with a Medigap broker who can search multiple companies. Be prepared for higher premiums than standard Medigap plans, and understand that coverage limits and copays will vary. Some plans may cover only a portion of the cost or may limit you to one pair every few years.

Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan is another route if your current coverage does not include hearing aids. Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and you can switch plans during this window. If you are new to Medicare, you have a limited time to join a Medicare Advantage plan without a penalty.

State Hearing Aid information Programs

Many states run programs that help low-income seniors and people with disabilities pay for hearing aids. These programs are separate from Medicare and have their own income limits and rules. Some states cover the full cost of hearing aids; others cover a portion or offer discounts through partnerships with hearing aid providers.

To find out whether your state has a program, contact your state's health department or search for "[your state name] hearing aid information program." You can also call the Hearing Loss Association of America at 1-301-657-2248 — they maintain a list of state programs and can tell you whether your state has one and how to reach it.

State programs typically require proof of income and may require an audiogram (a hearing test) from an audiologist. Processing times vary, but many programs can move quickly once you submit your paperwork. Some programs work directly with hearing aid providers, so the provider may handle the paperwork for you.

Veterans and Hearing Aid Coverage

If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers hearing aids as part of its health benefits. VA coverage includes the hearing aids themselves, the fitting, and follow-up adjustments. You do not need to be on Medicare to use VA benefits, and many veterans use both VA coverage and Medicare.

To use VA hearing aid benefits, you must be enrolled in the VA health system. If you are not already enrolled, you can explore online at VA.gov or visit your nearest VA medical center. Once enrolled, you can request a hearing test and hearing aid fitting through the VA's audiology department. Wait times vary by location, but the VA typically covers the full cost of hearing aids with no copay.

If you are a veteran and also have Medicare, you can use whichever benefit is more convenient for you. Some veterans use the VA for hearing aids and Medicare for other care; others do the reverse. There is no rule against using both.

Out-of-Pocket Costs and Where to Buy

When you pay out of pocket for hearing aids, costs depend on the type of aid and the features. Behind-the-ear aids (the most common type) typically cost $1,500 to $3,000 per pair. In-the-ear aids cost $2,000 to $4,000 per pair. High-end aids with advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity or artificial intelligence can cost $4,000 to $6,000 per pair.

These prices are what you pay at a hearing aid provider's office. Some retailers, including Costco and some online sellers, offer hearing aids at lower prices — sometimes $500 to $2,000 per pair — though the selection and fitting services may be more limited. If you choose a lower-cost option, make sure the provider offers follow-up adjustments and repairs, because hearing aids often need fine-tuning after you start wearing them.

Some hearing aid providers offer payment plans or discounts if you pay in full upfront. Ask about these options when you shop. You can also check whether your employer or union offers a hearing aid discount program — some do, even for retirees.

How to Appeal if Your Medicare Advantage Plan Denies Coverage

If your Medicare Advantage plan denies a hearing aid claim, you have the right to appeal. The plan must send you a written denial that explains why the claim was denied and how to appeal. Read this letter carefully, because the reason for denial will determine your next step.

Common reasons for denial include: the provider was out of network, you did not get a required referral, you exceeded your annual limit, or the plan determined the hearing aid was not medically necessary. If the denial was due to a missing referral or an out-of-network provider, you may be able to resubmit the claim with the correct information.

To appeal, follow the instructions in the denial letter. You will usually need to submit a written appeal within 60 days. Include any supporting documents — such as an audiogram showing you have hearing loss, or a letter from your doctor saying you need hearing aids. If the plan denies your appeal, you can request an independent review from an outside organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefit at any audiologist?

No. Most Medicare Advantage plans that cover hearing aids require you to use a provider in their network. If you use an out-of-network provider, you will likely pay more or the plan may not cover it at all. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find in-network providers near you.

Does Medicare cover hearing tests or audiograms?

Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing tests. However, if your doctor orders a hearing test as part of treatment for a medical condition (not just to check your hearing), Medicare may cover it. Medicare Advantage plans vary — some cover hearing tests, others do not. Check your plan's coverage.

What if I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan — can I get hearing aids right away?

If your new Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, you can use that benefit once your coverage starts. However, some plans have waiting periods or limits on how soon you can use certain benefits after you join. Check your plan's rules before you switch.

Are there any over-the-counter hearing aids that Medicare covers?

Over-the-counter hearing aids became available in 2022 and cost less than traditional hearing aids — typically $500 to $1,500 per pair. Original Medicare does not cover them. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover them, but this is uncommon. Check your plan's coverage if you are interested in this option.

If I buy hearing aids out of pocket, can I deduct them on my taxes?

Hearing aids are a may have access to medical expense and can be deducted if you itemize deductions on your tax return. However, you can only deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Talk to a tax professional to see whether hearing aids will lower your tax bill.