Medicare Part B covers hearing exams, but not the hearing aids themselves
Medicare Part B pays for a hearing test ordered by your doctor — the exam itself is covered at 80% after you meet your deductible. But Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids, the devices you wear in or behind your ear. You will pay the full price out of pocket, though some supplemental insurance plans and Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial coverage.
This gap has existed for decades. Hearing aids range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per pair, depending on the technology and features. Because Medicare does not cover them, many older adults delay getting hearing aids even when they need them, which can affect balance, memory, and social connection.
The rules are the same whether you have Original Medicare (Part A and B) or a Medicare Advantage plan, though some Advantage plans do offer hearing aid coverage as an added benefit. You will need to check your specific plan's details to know what it includes.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers the cost of a hearing test when your doctor orders it, but does not cover hearing aids themselves.
- You pay the full cost of hearing aids out of pocket, though prices vary widely depending on the type and features you choose.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage or discounts, so reviewing your plan's benefits is worth doing.
- Medicaid in some states covers hearing aids for older adults, so checking your state's rules may open another option.
- Hearing aid retailers often offer payment plans or discounts for cash purchases, which can reduce your out-of-pocket cost.
What Medicare Part B actually covers for hearing
Your doctor can order a hearing test, and Medicare Part B will cover it as a diagnostic service. You will pay 20% of the cost after you have met your Part B deductible (which is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). The test itself — called an audiogram — takes about an hour and measures how well you hear at different pitches and volumes.
This coverage applies only when your doctor orders the test for a medical reason. If you walk into a hearing aid store and ask for a free hearing test, that test is not covered by Medicare because it is not ordered by a physician. Many hearing aid retailers offer free tests as a sales tool, but those are separate from the Medicare-covered diagnostic exam.
Once you have the test results, you own that information. You can take it to any hearing aid provider, not just the one who performed the test. This matters because hearing aid prices and service quality vary significantly between retailers.
Why hearing aids are not covered and what that costs you
Medicare was created in 1965 and has not added hearing aid coverage since then, even though hearing loss affects roughly one in three people over 65. The reason is partly historical — hearing aids were once considered cosmetic rather than medical — and partly financial. Adding hearing aid coverage would cost Medicare billions of dollars annually.
The average cost of a pair of hearing aids ranges from $2,000 to $6,000, though some advanced models cost more. That is per pair, meaning two devices. Basic models may cost less, but they typically have fewer features like noise reduction or wireless connectivity. Because you need two hearing aids to hear properly in both ears, the total cost is usually substantial.
Many people who need hearing aids do not get them because of the cost. Studies show that untreated hearing loss is linked to increased risk of falls, cognitive decline, and social isolation — all things that can lead to higher medical costs down the road. But Medicare's rules have not changed to reflect that evidence.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing aid coverage
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are run by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits. Some Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, hearing aid discounts, or both. The coverage varies widely — some plans cover a set dollar amount per year (like $500 or $1,000), while others offer a percentage discount on retail prices.
To find out whether your Advantage plan covers hearing aids, check the plan's Summary of Benefits document, which you can find on your plan's website or by calling the plan's customer service number. The document lists what is and is not covered. If your plan does not currently cover hearing aids, you can switch to a different Advantage plan during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) if hearing aid coverage is important to you.
Not all Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may have limits — such as covering only one pair every two years, or only certain brands. Read the details carefully before you enroll or switch plans.
Medicaid coverage for hearing aids in your state
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, which means each state sets its own rules about what it covers. Some states cover hearing aids for older adults on Medicaid, and some do not. A few states cover them fully; others cover them partially or only for people under a certain age.
If you are on both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids even though Medicare does not. To find out what your state covers, contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 and ask to be connected to your local Medicaid program. You can also search your state's name plus "Medicaid hearing aids" to find the specific rules.
Medicaid coverage, when available, usually requires a prescription from a doctor and may limit you to certain providers or brands. The process is different from Medicare, so you will need to understand your state's specific rules before you pursue this route.
Ways to reduce the cost of hearing aids
Because Medicare does not cover hearing aids, you have options for lowering the price. Many hearing aid retailers offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over 12, 24, or 36 months with little or no interest. Ask about this when you visit a provider — it is a standard option.
Some retailers offer discounts for cash purchases or for buying both hearing aids at once. Costco, for example, sells hearing aids at lower prices than many independent retailers and does not require a membership to use their hearing aid department. Veterans may be covered through the VA, and some nonprofits offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids to people who cannot afford them.
You can also ask your audiologist or hearing aid provider about manufacturer rebates or trade-in programs. Some companies offer discounts when you trade in an old hearing aid, and some have seasonal sales. Shopping around and asking directly about discounts can save you hundreds of dollars.
The difference between a hearing test and a hearing aid fitting
A hearing test (audiogram) is a diagnostic exam that measures your hearing. A hearing aid fitting is the process of selecting, programming, and adjusting a hearing aid to match your specific hearing loss. Medicare covers the test but not the fitting or the device itself.
When you get a hearing aid, the fitting usually includes multiple appointments — one to select the device, one to program it to your hearing loss, and follow-up visits to adjust it as you get used to wearing it. These fitting appointments are not covered by Medicare, so you will pay for them out of pocket. The cost of fitting is usually included in the price the retailer quotes you for the hearing aid.
Some hearing aid retailers bundle the fitting cost into the device price; others charge separately. Ask for a clear breakdown of what you are paying for before you commit to a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids at all?
No. Medicare Part B covers the hearing test itself when your doctor orders it, but does not cover the hearing aids or the fitting. You pay the full cost of the devices out of pocket, though some Medicare Advantage plans and state Medicaid programs may offer partial coverage.
Can I use my Medicare deductible toward hearing aids?
No. Your Part B deductible applies only to services Medicare covers, such as the hearing test. Hearing aids are not covered, so your deductible does not explore to them. You will pay the full retail price regardless of whether you have met your deductible.
What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?
Some states cover hearing aids through Medicaid for dual-may be able to access people, but not all. Contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 to find out whether your state covers them and what the process is. Coverage varies by state, so you need to check your specific state's rules.
Are there any programs that help pay for hearing aids?
Some nonprofits, state programs, and hearing aid retailers offer discounts, payment plans, or donated devices. Costco offers lower prices than many retailers. Veterans may be covered through the VA. Ask your audiologist about manufacturer discounts or trade-in programs, and search for "[your state] hearing aid information" to find local programs.
If my Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, how much will I pay?
It depends on your specific plan. Some plans cover a set dollar amount per year (like $500), others cover a percentage of the cost, and some offer a discount on retail prices. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits document or call your plan's customer service to find out what your plan covers.