Medicare Supplement Plans Do Not Cover Hearing Aids
Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) pays for the portions of Medicare-covered services that Original Medicare leaves unpaid — copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. It does not cover services that Original Medicare itself does not cover. Since Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, no Medigap plan covers them either, regardless of which plan letter (A through N) you choose.
This is a hard limit. You cannot buy your way into hearing aid coverage through a Supplement plan. If you need hearing aids, you will need to look at other coverage options or pay out of pocket.
Key Takeaways
- No Medicare Supplement plan covers hearing aids because Original Medicare does not cover them.
- Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) sometimes include hearing aid coverage, though the amount and type vary widely by plan and region.
- Some state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids if you meet income limits, even if you are on Medicare.
- Hearing aid costs typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per device, and you will pay the full amount unless you have separate coverage.
- Audiologists and hearing aid retailers sometimes offer payment plans or discounts that can lower your out-of-pocket cost.
Why Medicare Supplement Plans Cannot Add Hearing Aid Coverage
Medigap plans are designed to fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage — they pay what Medicare pays for, minus what you would owe. They cannot create coverage for things Medicare does not cover at all. Hearing aids fall into that category. Original Medicare decided decades ago not to cover hearing aids as a benefit, and that decision has not changed.
This applies to all 10 standardized Medigap plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). Plan F and Plan G are the most comprehensive, but even they do not cover hearing aids. The only way to get hearing aid coverage through Medicare is to switch to a different type of Medicare plan entirely.
Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover Hearing Aids
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a different type of Medicare plan run by private insurance companies. Unlike Original Medicare plus Supplement, Advantage plans can offer coverage that Original Medicare does not — including hearing aids. Many Advantage plans do include some hearing aid benefit, though the coverage varies significantly.
Some plans cover a set dollar amount per year (for example, $500 or $1,000). Others cover a percentage of the cost. Some plans cover only hearing exams, not the devices themselves. A few plans cover the full cost of hearing aids with no out-of-pocket expense, but these are less common and usually available only in certain regions.
If you are currently on a Medigap plan and want hearing aid coverage, you would need to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year). Once you switch, you cannot go back to Medigap without going through medical underwriting, which may result in higher premiums or denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions. This is a significant decision and worth discussing with a Medicare counselor before you make the change.
Medicaid May Cover Hearing Aids If You may have access to
If your income is low enough to may have access to for Medicaid in addition to Medicare (called "dual may be able to access"), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Medicaid rules vary by state — some states cover hearing aids fully, some cover them partially, and some do not cover them at all. Income and asset limits also differ.
To find out whether your state covers hearing aids through Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 (a free referral service). You can also ask at your local Area Agency on Aging, which can tell you what programs exist in your region and help you understand whether you meet the income limits.
What Hearing Aids Actually Cost
Hearing aids are expensive. A single device typically costs between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on the technology level and features. Most people need two (one for each ear), which doubles the cost. Batteries, repairs, and adjustments add to the expense over time.
Some of this cost comes from the device itself, and some comes from the audiologist's time for testing, fitting, and follow-up adjustments. The price you pay depends on where you go — a hospital audiology department may charge differently than a private hearing aid retailer, and different retailers have different pricing.
Ways to Reduce Out-of-Pocket Hearing Aid Costs
If you do not have coverage through Medicare Advantage or Medicaid, you have several options to reduce what you pay.
Payment plans: Many hearing aid retailers and audiologists offer monthly payment plans with little or no interest. Ask whether this is available before you buy.
Manufacturer discounts: Some hearing aid manufacturers offer discounts to seniors or to people buying through certain programs. Your audiologist can tell you what discounts explore to the brands they carry.
Nonprofit organizations: Some nonprofits, including the Hearing Loss Association of America and local Lions Clubs, help pay for hearing aids or connect you with discounted services. These programs have income limits and may have a waiting list.
Costco and warehouse retailers: Costco, Sam's Club, and similar retailers often sell hearing aids at lower prices than traditional audiologists, though the selection of brands and styles is smaller.
Used or refurbished devices: Some retailers sell refurbished hearing aids at a discount. These have been professionally cleaned and tested, though they may not have the newest features.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Audiologist
Before you buy hearing aids, gather information that will help you make a decision and understand your costs:
- Do I need one hearing aid or two, and why?
- What brand and model do you recommend for my type of hearing loss, and what does it cost?
- What is included in the price — the device, the fitting, follow-up adjustments, batteries, warranty?
- Do you offer a trial period, and what is the return policy?
- What payment plans or discounts do you offer?
- How often will I need to come back for adjustments, and is there a cost for those visits?
- What happens if the hearing aid breaks or stops working?
When to Seek Help Finding Hearing Aid Coverage
If you are struggling to pay for hearing aids, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 211. These services can tell you what programs exist in your area, whether you meet income limits, and how to start the process. They can also connect you with audiologists who offer discounts or work with nonprofit information programs.
If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, call the plan directly to ask what hearing aid coverage you have. The answer may surprise you — you may already have a benefit you did not know about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage just to get hearing aid coverage?
Yes, you can switch during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7). However, if you later want to switch back to Medigap, you may face higher premiums or denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions. This is a permanent decision in most cases, so think carefully before you make the change.
Does Medicare cover hearing tests or exams?
Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing tests. However, if a doctor refers you for a hearing test as part of diagnosing or treating another medical condition, Medicare may cover it. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing exams even without a medical reason. Check your plan documents or call your plan to ask.
What if I cannot afford hearing aids even with a payment plan?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call 211 to learn about nonprofit information programs in your area. The Hearing Loss Association of America also maintains a list of programs that help pay for hearing aids. Some have income limits, and some have waiting lists, but it is worth asking.
Are over-the-counter hearing aids cheaper than prescription ones?
Over-the-counter hearing aids cost less upfront (typically $200 to $1,500 per device) than prescription devices, but they are not right for everyone. They work best for mild to moderate hearing loss and do not include the fitting and adjustment services that an audiologist provides. Talk to an audiologist about whether an over-the-counter device would work for your hearing loss before you buy.
If I am on Medicare Advantage, how do I know what hearing aid coverage I have?
Call your plan's customer service number (on your insurance card) and ask specifically what hearing aid coverage is included in your plan. Ask whether there is a dollar limit, whether you need a referral, and which audiologists or retailers are in your plan's network. Get the answers in writing if you can.