Medicare does not cover Miracle-Ear hearing aids or most other hearing aids
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for hearing aids from any manufacturer, including Miracle-Ear. This is true whether you buy the device outright, finance it, or use a hearing aid plan. Medicare treats hearing aids as non-covered items, the same way it treats eyeglasses or dental work.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do offer limited hearing aid coverage, but the amount and the brands covered vary widely by plan and by year. Miracle-Ear may be included in some plans and excluded from others. You need to check your specific plan's formulary or call the plan directly to know whether Miracle-Ear devices are covered and what you would pay out of pocket.
If you have Original Medicare and want hearing aids, you will pay the full cost yourself. Miracle-Ear devices typically range from $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, depending on the model and features. Some Miracle-Ear locations offer payment plans or discounts for seniors, but these are not insurance coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids from any brand, including Miracle-Ear.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but coverage varies by plan and Miracle-Ear may not be included in yours.
- You can find out whether your Medicare Advantage plan covers Miracle-Ear by calling the plan or reviewing your plan's hearing aid coverage document.
- If you have Original Medicare, you pay the full cost of hearing aids out of pocket, though some retailers offer discounts or payment plans.
- Medicaid in some states covers hearing aids, so check your state's rules if you have both Medicare and Medicaid.
How to check if your Medicare Advantage plan covers Miracle-Ear
Call your Medicare Advantage plan's customer service number. This number is on your insurance card. Tell them you want to know whether the plan covers hearing aids and whether Miracle-Ear is an in-network provider.
Ask for the specific answer to three questions: Does the plan cover hearing aids at all? If yes, what is the annual benefit amount (the maximum the plan will pay per year)? Is Miracle-Ear listed as an in-network provider, or do you have to use a different brand or retailer?
Some plans cover hearing aids only from specific providers or brands. Others cover a set dollar amount per year but let you choose any provider. A few plans cover hearing aids only every few years, not annually. Write down the answers so you have them in writing.
You can also review your plan's coverage documents online. Log into your plan's website and look for "hearing aid coverage" or "durable medical equipment" in the benefits section. If you cannot find it online, call and ask the plan to mail you the hearing aid coverage details.
What to do if Original Medicare is your coverage
If you have Original Medicare and no supplemental plan that covers hearing aids, you will need to pay out of pocket. Miracle-Ear and other hearing aid retailers sometimes offer discounts to Medicare beneficiaries, so it is worth asking whether they have a senior discount program.
Some Miracle-Ear locations also offer financing options that let you pay for hearing aids over time rather than all at once. These are not insurance payments — you are borrowing money and paying it back with interest — but they can make the upfront cost more manageable.
Before you buy from Miracle-Ear, get a hearing test and price quote from at least one other retailer. Hearing aid prices vary significantly, and some independent audiologists or retailers charge less than Miracle-Ear for similar devices.
State Medicaid programs and hearing aid coverage
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (sometimes called "dual may be able to access"), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Medicaid rules differ by state, and some states cover hearing aids while others do not.
Contact your state Medicaid office to ask whether hearing aids are covered. You can find your state Medicaid office through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for a referral.
If your state Medicaid does cover hearing aids, you may be able to use that coverage instead of paying out of pocket. Medicaid may have its own list of approved providers and brands, which may or may not include Miracle-Ear.
Other ways to reduce the cost of hearing aids
Some nonprofit organizations offer discounted or donated hearing aids to seniors with limited income. The Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association both maintain lists of programs by state.
Veterans with service-connected hearing loss can receive hearing aids through the Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost. If you are a veteran, contact your VA medical center or call 1-800-827-1000 to ask about hearing aid coverage.
Some employers and unions offer retiree health plans that cover hearing aids. If you have retiree coverage through a former employer, check your plan documents or call the plan to see whether hearing aids are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medicare Advantage plan's hearing aid benefit at any Miracle-Ear location?
Not necessarily. Some Medicare Advantage plans limit hearing aid coverage to in-network providers only. If Miracle-Ear is not in your plan's network, you may have to pay more out of pocket or use a different provider. Call your plan to confirm whether the Miracle-Ear location near you is in-network.
Does Medigap supplemental insurance cover hearing aids?
No. Medigap plans are standardized by federal law, and none of them cover hearing aids. Medigap covers some costs that Original Medicare does not, but hearing aids are not one of them.
What if I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids?
You can use the new plan's hearing aid benefit starting the day your coverage begins. However, most plans have an annual limit on hearing aid coverage, so you may not be able to replace hearing aids you bought in the previous year. Ask the new plan whether there is a waiting period before hearing aid coverage starts.
Can I get a hearing aid through Medicare if my doctor says I need one?
A doctor's recommendation does not change Medicare's coverage rules. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids even with a medical referral. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids, a doctor's order may be required to use the benefit, but the plan still decides whether to pay.
Are there Miracle-Ear locations that accept Medicare Advantage plans?
Some do and some do not. Miracle-Ear is a franchise, so coverage and pricing vary by location. Call the Miracle-Ear office near you and ask whether they accept your specific Medicare Advantage plan and what your out-of-pocket cost would be.