May 9th 2022
By Ari Parker
Learn about Medicare coverage for hearing aids, including Original Medicare hearing aid coverage and Medicare Advantage coverage for hearing aids.
Hearing loss affects around one-third of adults between the ages of 65 and 74. If you're having trouble hearing, you may wonder if Medicare helps pay for hearing tests and hearing aids.
Hearing care, including routine hearing tests and hearing aids, is not covered by Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for hearing services and may help pay for hearing tests and hearing aids.
Since your ability to hear well affects so many aspects of daily life, it's important to understand what Medicare does and doesn't cover.
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not pay for hearing aids.
Some Medicare Advantage plans will pay for some of the costs of hearing aids.
Different Medicare Advantage plans have different rules and coverage options for hearing aids, so it’s important to understand how your plan works.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids became available after approval from the FDA in 2022.
OTC hearing aids are best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Original Medicare and most private insurance plans won't help with coverage of hearing aids. While Medicare Part B covers many outpatient medical services and equipment, it specifically excludes both hearing aids and the exams needed to determine need.
If you have a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap), it also won't cover hearing aid costs. These plans don’t cover additional services and equipment, but rather reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered care.
The government has considered adding hearing aid coverage to Medicare, but no progress has been made.
Although Medicare Advantage plans differ, many plans do include additional hearing coverage. This may include:
routine hearing exams
partial or full coverage of OTC and brand-name hearing aids
hearing aid fittings and services
hearing aid warranties
coverage or discounts on hearing aid accessories, like batteries or charging stations
It’s important to note that provider networks and copays do vary, so check with your plan.
While routine hearing care isn't covered by Original Medicare, some diagnostic hearing and balance exams may be covered as treatment for medical conditions—if deemed necessary by a doctor.
Medicare typically covers hearing exams when they're needed to diagnose conditions such as:
Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Vertigo or balance problems
Inner ear disorders
Problems that might require cochlear implants
Important things to know about Medicare coverage for hearing services:
For Medicare to cover any diagnostic hearing exam, your doctor must order it as medically necessary.
You'll need to pay your Medicare Part B deductible before Medicare will begin paying for its share of covered services. Once your deductible is met, you’ll owe either copayments or coinsurance.
Even if Medicare-covered tests show you need hearing aids, you will need to cover the full cost of the hearing aids yourself if you’re on Original Medicare. However, Medicare Part B does cover cochlear implants and related surgery when they're medically necessary.
If you need medications for ear-related conditions, these may be covered under Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include coverage for hearing services that Original Medicare doesn't cover. These plans, offered through private insurance companies like Aetna, United Healthcare, and Humana, often provide benefits for routine hearing tests and hearing aids.
Medicare Advantage plan hearing aid coverage varies depending on the specific plan you enroll in. Some plans cover both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, while others may limit coverage to certain types or brands. Many insurance companies offer multiple Medicare Advantage plans with different levels of hearing coverage.
If you are concerned about hearing coverage, speak with one of our licensed Medicare Advisors. They can help you understand your healthcare options and find the best Medicare coverage for your needs.
Because Medicaid is run by individual states, coverage for hearing services varies. Eligibility for Medicaid hearing aid coverage often depends on the severity of your hearing loss and typically requires prior authorization.
If you're experiencing hearing loss and can't afford audiology services, there are several options for help.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids might be a good choice if you have mild to moderate hearing loss. These FDA-approved hearing devices work by using a microphone and speaker to amplify sounds entering your ear.
OTC hearing aids are generally much more affordable than prescription hearing aids. While prices vary, they typically cost between $100 and $1,000 per pair. When shopping for these devices, make sure the label specifically says "over-the-counter hearing aid.” This statement confirms a device is an FDA-approved hearing aid and not just a sound amplifier.
Many charities and organizations offer hearing health services and hearing aids for free or reduced prices.
The VA provides hearing aids and related services to eligible veterans.
The Hearing Loss Association of America offers financial assistance programs.
Various national charities provide free or low-cost hearing aids to people who qualify for support.
Many state health departments also run hearing aid assistance programs.
To find help in your area, contact these organizations directly or ask your healthcare provider about local resources for hearing aid assistance.
Used hearing aids are a more affordable option. If you're thinking about buying used hearing aids, keep these two important things in mind:
The devices must be clearly labeled as 'used' to meet FDA requirements.
You should consult with an audiologist to make sure used hearing aids will work for your needs.
Be cautious about purchasing from private sellers on sites like eBay or Craigslist. While these options might cost less, they often come without warranties and may not function properly. Instead, consider working with established vendors who specialize in refurbished hearing aids.
These state-specific hearing programs can help with things like hearing tests and paying for hearing aids.
| State | Programs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Hear Here Alabama Project, The Hearing Foundation, Alabama’s Assistive Technology Resource (STAR), Relay Alabama |
| Alaska | Healing Hand Foundation, iCanConnect |
| Arizona | Hearing Healthcare Assistance Project (HHAP), Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACDHH), Southern Arizona Hearing Aid Bank |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS), Arkansas Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| California | NorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, California Department of Rehabilitation |
| Colorado | Hearing the Call, Friends of Man, A.V. Hunter Trust, HEARS , Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Tech Act Project, Connecticut Lions Club Hearing Aid Bank |
| Delaware | Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Nemours SeniorCare, The Eric Fund |
| District of Columbia | Department on Disability Services, DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) |
| Florida | Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, Florida New Horizon Loan Program, Center for Hearing and Communication |
| Georgia | Georgia Hearing Aid Distribution Program, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation |
| Hawaii | Help Me Hear, Relay Hawaii, Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC) |
| Idaho | Northwest Access Fund, Idaho Assistive Technology Project |
| Illinois | Chicago Hearing Society, Illinois Assistive Technology Program, Sertoma Speech & Hearing Center |
| Indiana | Hearing Aid Assistance Program of Indiana (HAAPI), GiveHear, Indiana Lions Speech and Hearing |
| Iowa | Able Up Iowa, Iowa COMPASS Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa Lions Hearing Aid Bank |
| Kansas | Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program, Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Kentucky | Heuser Hearing Institute, Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Kentucky’s Statewide Hearing Aid Reuse Program (SHARP) |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) Hearing Aid Program |
| Maine | Alpha One, Disability Rights Maine, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services |
| Maryland | The Ron M. Landsman Charitable Fund, Division of Rehabilitation Services, AT Financial Loan Program |
| Massachusetts | Lions Club District 33-S Hearing Foundation, Audiology Centers Hearing Aid Banks |
| Michigan | Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund, Dr. Robert H. Mathog Lion Hearing Centers |
| Minnesota | EquipALife, TPA Hearing Trust Grant |
| Mississippi | Office on Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Missouri | Missouri Assistive Technology, Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Montana | Montana Hearing Aid Dispenser Program, Montana Assistive Technology Program (MATP), Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Hearing Aid Banks, Easterseals Nebraska, Nebraska VR |
| Nevada | The Hearing Foundation, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Nevada |
| New Hampshire | Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation of New Hampshire, Assistive Technology New Hampshire (ATinNH), Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| New Jersey | The Hearing Aid Project, Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) |
| New Mexico | The New Mexico Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, New Mexico Technology Assistance Program |
| New York | Dr. Ann Stadelmaier Hearing Aid Fund, NY Connects |
| North Carolina | Relay North Carolina, Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Easterseals PORT Health |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Assistive, North Dakota Association for the Disabled |
| Ohio | Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, Columbus Speech & Hearing, Ohio Department of Aging Assistive Technology |
| Oklahoma | Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program, HoughAid, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Hearts for Hearing |
| Oregon | Northwest Access Fund, Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, UPMC Medical Equipment Recycling Program |
| Rhode Island | Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program, Pee Dee Hearing Center |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Hearing Aid Assistance Program, South Dakota Lions Foundation |
| Tennessee | The Hearing & Speech Foundation, HEAR Nashville, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Texas | Dallas Hearing Foundation, The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Deaf Action Center |
| Utah | Relay Utah, Utah Vocational Rehabilitation, Utah Assistive Technology Program |
| Vermont | Deaf Independence Program, AT4ALL, Vermont Assistive Technology Program, Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Virginia | Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority, North Virginia Resource Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons |
| Washington | University of Washington Hearing Aid Assistance Program (HAAP), Western Washington University Hearing Aid Bank, Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP), Northwest Access Fund |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) |
| Wisconsin | UWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP), Telecommunications Assistance Program Plus (TAP+), Wisconsin Lions Foundation |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Relay, iCanConnect, Wyoming Hearing Aid Benefit |
You can get hearing aids from several sources, depending on whether you need prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) devices.
Prescription hearing aids are available from:
Licensed hearing aid dispensers
Audiologists
Ear, nose, and throat doctors
OTC hearing aids can be purchased at:
Major retailers like Costco and Best Buy
Online marketplaces
Directly from manufacturers
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids, check your plan documents before you buy. Your insurance may require you to use specific providers or vendors.
Before buying hearing aids from any source, get a hearing test to understand your needs. Make sure to review the warranty and return policy, and ask about any included services like fittings or adjustments.
If you have any questions about what your Medicare insurance covers or how you can get coverage that better fits your health and financial needs, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (855) 900-2427 or schedule a time to speak with one of our licensed Medicare Advisors to get help understanding your healthcare options.
