Medicare Supplement plans do not cover hearing aids
Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) pays for costs that Original Medicare does not cover — like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. However, hearing aids themselves fall outside what any Medigap plan will pay for. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, and Medigap plans cannot fill that gap.
If you wear hearing aids or need them, you will pay the full cost out of pocket, regardless of which Medigap plan you choose. The only exception is if you have a separate hearing discount plan through your Medigap insurer, which some companies offer as an add-on benefit — but this is different from the Medigap coverage itself and is not may provide.
Hearing aid costs range widely depending on the type and features, but most people spend between $2,000 and $6,000 per pair. Some Medigap insurers partner with hearing discount networks that may reduce that price, so it is worth asking your plan directly what discounts, if any, are available to you.
Key Takeaways
- No Medicare Supplement plan covers the cost of hearing aids themselves, because Original Medicare does not cover them.
- Some Medigap insurers offer optional hearing discount programs that are separate from your main coverage and may lower the price you pay at certain providers.
- If you need hearing aids, contact your Medigap insurance company to ask whether they offer a hearing discount network and what providers are included.
- Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) sometimes include hearing benefits, so if you are considering switching from Medigap, this is one difference to compare.
How to find out what your Medigap plan offers for hearing
Call the customer service number on your Medigap insurance card and ask directly: "Do you offer a hearing discount program, and if so, which providers are in the network?" Write down the provider names and any discount percentages they mention. Some plans partner with national networks like TruHearing or Amplifon; others work with local providers.
If your plan does offer a hearing discount, ask whether you need a referral or prior authorization before you visit a provider, and whether the discount applies to the hearing aids themselves, the fitting, or both. Some networks discount only the devices; others discount the full service. Get the details in writing if possible, so you know what to expect when you call the provider.
If your Medigap plan does not offer a hearing discount, you can still look for hearing aids through community health centers, Costco (which has an in-house hearing aid department), or independent audiologists. Prices and quality vary widely, so it is worth getting quotes from more than one place.
What Original Medicare covers related to hearing
Original Medicare covers 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. You pay the standard copayment for the office visit. However, Medicare does not cover routine hearing tests done for the purpose of fitting hearing aids.
Medicare also does not cover earwax removal, hearing aid batteries, hearing aid repairs, or replacement hearing aids. If you already own hearing aids and they break, you will pay out of pocket to have them fixed or replaced.
The only hearing-related service Original Medicare covers consistently is treatment for ear conditions themselves — such as surgery for a perforated eardrum or medication for an ear infection. Hearing loss as a condition is not covered; only the medical problem causing it may be.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing benefits
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of Original Medicare with Medigap, your coverage is different. Many Medicare Advantage plans do include some hearing benefit — often a discount on hearing aids or a set dollar amount toward them each year. However, the benefit varies widely by plan and by region.
If you are thinking about switching from Medigap to Medicare Advantage, or if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare and comparing options, ask each plan you are considering: "What hearing benefits are included, and how much will I pay out of pocket for hearing aids?" Some plans cover $500 toward hearing aids per year; others cover $1,500 or more. Some cover nothing.
The trade-off is that Medicare Advantage plans usually have lower premiums than Medigap but higher out-of-pocket costs when you use care. If you know you need hearing aids soon, comparing the hearing benefit across plans you are considering can be part of deciding which type of coverage makes sense for you.
Other ways to reduce the cost of hearing aids
If your Medigap plan does not offer a hearing discount and you do not have Medicare Advantage, several other options can lower what you pay. Costco's hearing aid department typically charges less than independent audiologists, and you do not need a Costco membership to use it in most states. Prices there often start around $1,500 per pair.
Some community health centers and federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) offer hearing aids at reduced cost based on your income. Call your local health department or search online for "federally may have access to health center near me" to find one. You may also contact your state's vocational rehabilitation agency; some states help with hearing aids for people who are working or looking for work.
Hearing aid manufacturers sometimes offer patient information programs or refurbished devices at lower prices. Ask your audiologist whether the brand you are interested in has a program, or contact the manufacturer directly. Some nonprofits, such as the Hearing Loss Association of America, maintain lists of local resources and discount programs.
What to ask your doctor about hearing loss
If you think your hearing is getting worse, start by asking your primary care doctor whether you should see an audiologist. Your doctor can rule out treatable causes like earwax impaction or an ear infection, and can refer you for a hearing test if needed. Some insurance plans require a referral before you see an audiologist.
Ask your doctor: "Is there a medical reason for my hearing loss, or is it age-related?" and "Do you recommend I see an audiologist?" If your doctor refers you, ask whether the referral is to a specific provider or whether you can choose. If the hearing test is covered by Medicare, your doctor's referral makes that possible; without it, you will pay the full cost.
Your doctor can also discuss whether a hearing aid is the right choice for you, or whether other options like assistive listening devices might help. Some people benefit from a combination of strategies rather than hearing aids alone.
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. Sudden hearing loss can be caused by infection, medication side effects, or other treatable conditions, and treatment works better the sooner you start.
Do not wait to see if it improves on its own. Even if you have Medigap and hearing aids are not covered, the medical workup for sudden hearing loss is covered by Medicare, and it may reveal something that can be treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Medigap plan to pay for a hearing test?
If your doctor refers you for a hearing test and it is medically necessary, Original Medicare covers it with a standard copayment. Your Medigap plan then covers the copayment, coinsurance, or deductible — not the hearing test itself. If you want a hearing test just to fit hearing aids (not because of a medical problem), Medicare does not cover it, and neither does Medigap.
Do all Medigap insurers offer hearing discounts?
No. Some Medigap companies offer hearing discount programs; others do not. The only way to know is to call your plan and ask. If your plan does not offer one, you can still shop for hearing aids through other channels like Costco or community health centers.
What if I switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans often include hearing benefits that Medigap does not. However, you can only switch during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event. If hearing aids are important to you, compare the hearing benefits across plans before you decide to switch.
Are there programs that help pay for hearing aids if I am low-income?
Yes. Federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) offer hearing aids on a sliding fee scale based on income. Some state vocational rehabilitation agencies also help with hearing aids. Contact your local health department or search online for "FQHC near me" to find a center in your area.
Will my hearing aid be covered if I get it through my doctor's office?
No. Hearing aids are not covered by Medicare or Medigap regardless of where you purchase them — whether through a doctor's office, an independent audiologist, or a retail chain. The location does not change the coverage.