Medicare's Coverage of Hearing Aids
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for hearing aids or the exams to fit them. This is a hard limit in the program — it has been in place for decades and does not change based on your income or medical need. If you have Original Medicare alone, you will pay the full cost of any hearing aid out of your own pocket.
Medicare Part B does cover one hearing test every 12 months if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical problem (not straightforward to check your hearing for a hearing aid). The test itself is covered, but the hearing aid that may follow is not. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage as an added benefit, though the amount and type of coverage varies widely by plan and by year.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings under any circumstance.
- Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing aids, but coverage differs by plan, by state, and by year — you must check your specific plan's details.
- Medicare Part B covers one diagnostic hearing test per year if ordered by a doctor, but not the hearing aid itself.
- If you need a hearing aid and have Original Medicare, you can purchase one directly from a hearing aid provider or retailer at the full retail price.
What Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include hearing aid coverage as a supplemental benefit. The coverage is optional — not all plans offer it, and plans that do offer it set their own limits on what they will pay. One plan in your area might cover up to $2,000 per ear per year; another might cover $500 total; a third might offer no hearing aid coverage at all.
To find out whether your current Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, call the plan directly or check the plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which lists all covered services. If you are shopping for a new plan during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), you can compare hearing aid coverage as one factor in your choice. Plans change their benefits year to year, so coverage you had last year may not exist this year.
How to Find Your Plan's Hearing Aid Coverage
Start by identifying which type of Medicare you have. If you pay a monthly premium to a private insurance company (not just the standard Medicare Part B premium), you have a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have a red, white, and blue Medicare card and no separate insurance card, you have Original Medicare.
For Medicare Advantage, contact your plan's customer service number (on your insurance card) and ask specifically: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If yes, how much per ear, per year, and do I need a referral?" Write down the answer and the date you called. For Original Medicare, you have no hearing aid coverage through Medicare itself, but you may have coverage through a Medigap supplemental policy — check your Medigap plan documents or call that insurer.
Paying Out of Pocket for Hearing Aids
If you have Original Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan does not cover hearing aids, you will pay the full cost directly to a hearing aid provider. Hearing aid prices range widely depending on the technology level, the number of devices, and the provider. Basic models may cost $500 to $1,500 per ear; advanced digital models may cost $2,000 to $6,000 per ear. Many providers offer payment plans or discounts for purchasing two devices at once.
You can purchase from a licensed hearing aid dispenser, an audiologist, or a retail chain that sells hearing aids. Some people find lower prices at retail chains or online retailers, though you will still need an in-person fitting and follow-up adjustments. Ask any provider about their warranty, return policy, and whether they offer a trial period — many allow 30 days to return the device if you are not satisfied.
Other Programs That May Help Pay for Hearing Aids
If you cannot afford a hearing aid, several programs outside Medicare may help. State vocational rehabilitation agencies sometimes pay for hearing aids for working-age adults. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of programs by state. Some nonprofits, including the Lions Club, offer hearing aid information in specific regions. Your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you whether your state has a hearing aid subsidy program.
Veterans with service-connected hearing loss can receive hearing aids through the VA at no cost. If you are a veteran, contact your local VA medical center or call the Veterans Benefits hotline to learn whether you are may be able to access. Some pharmaceutical information programs and community health centers also offer reduced-cost or free hearing tests that can help you understand your options before you commit to purchasing.
Medigap and Hearing Aid Coverage
Medigap supplemental insurance policies (sold by private insurers to cover gaps in Original Medicare) do not standardly include hearing aid coverage. The 10 standard Medigap plans are labeled A through N, and none of them list hearing aids as a covered service. However, some insurers offer non-standard Medigap plans that may include hearing aid benefits — these vary by state and by insurer, so you would need to ask directly when shopping for a Medigap policy.
If you already have a Medigap policy, check your plan documents to see whether hearing aids are listed. If they are not, you cannot add them to your current plan mid-year. You can switch to a different Medigap plan during the annual enrollment period, but switching may involve a new underwriting process and higher premiums depending on your age and health status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries?
No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aid batteries, and most Medicare Advantage plans that do cover hearing aids do not cover batteries either. You will buy batteries separately from a pharmacy, a hearing aid provider, or online. Batteries typically cost $5 to $15 per pack and last one to two weeks depending on the device and your usage.
What if my doctor says I need a hearing aid for my health?
Medical necessity does not change Medicare's policy. Even if your doctor prescribes a hearing aid, Original Medicare will not pay for it. Medicare Advantage plans may cover it if the plan includes hearing aid benefits, but again, that depends on the specific plan, not on your doctor's recommendation.
Can I use my Health Savings Account to pay for a hearing aid?
Yes, if you have an HSA and are not yet enrolled in Medicare. Once you enroll in Medicare, you can no longer contribute to an HSA, but you can withdraw funds for hearing aids and other may have access to medical expenses. Hearing aids are considered a may have access to medical expense under IRS rules.
Do all Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids?
No. Hearing aid coverage is optional for Medicare Advantage plans. Some plans offer it; many do not. Even plans that do cover hearing aids set their own limits on the amount paid per ear and per year. You must check your specific plan's details.
What happens if I switch Medicare Advantage plans — do I lose hearing aid coverage?
It depends on your new plan. If your current plan covers hearing aids and your new plan does not, you will lose that coverage. If both plans cover hearing aids, the coverage limits may be different. Always compare hearing aid coverage when you are deciding whether to switch plans during the annual enrollment period.