Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing exams, fittings, or hearing aids themselves.
- If a doctor prescribes a hearing test, Medicare Part B may help pay for it.
- Optional coverage under Medicare Part C could cover hearing exams, as well as hearing aids and devices.
- If your Medicare plan does not cover hearing aids, there are nonprofit organizations that can help.
Hearing loss affects both personal activities, such as enjoying music or watching TV, and the ability to connect with family and friends through phone calls and conversations. For many Americans with hearing loss, access to assistive devices such as hearing aids and captioned telephones can significantly improve daily life. Unfortunately, the cost of hearing aid devices can sometimes be a burden.
Will Medicare Cover Hearing Aids for Seniors?
Whether Medicare covers your hearing aids depends on your plan. Medicare Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare, do not cover routine hearing exams, fittings, or hearing aids themselves.
If your doctor says you need a hearing test for medical reasons, Medicare Part B may help pay 80% of the cost, but you will still be responsible for 20% of the bill.
However, if you are concerned about your hearing health, or just want to stay on top of it, you can opt for an optional, paid part of Medicare known as Medicare Part C. Also known as Medicare Advantage, this part allows you to add extra coverage to your government-provided plan, including hearing exams, fittings with an audiologist, and hearing aids and devices.
Understanding Medicare Parts and Hearing Health
Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand what’s covered for hearing health. Let’s look at the different parts of Medicare.
Medicare Part A coverage
Medicare Part A primarily covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health services. If you require a hospital stay related to a hearing-related medical procedure or surgery, Part A may cover those inpatient services.
Medicare Part B coverage
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary services and preventive care. It will not cover routine hearing exams, but it will cover doctor-prescribed ones.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an optional plan that offers additional benefits. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage, routine hearing exams, and discounts on hearing devices.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. This part does not cover hearing aids or hearing-related services. However, if you require medications related to ear infections or other medical conditions affecting your hearing, Part D may cover those prescriptions.
Does Medicare Help Pay for Hearing Aids through Medicare Advantage Plans?
The good news is that Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) can include coverage for hearing aids, exams, and fittings.
The downside is that you must opt in and pay for this extended coverage. Since Medicare Part C is run through private health insurance companies, such as Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, or UnitedHealthcare, it’ll be up to you to find the right plan that covers your needs and fits your budget.
What is the Cost of Hearing Aids with Medicare?
On average, one hearing aid can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000, not including the exam and fitting. Since most people will need an aid for each ear, you can expect to pay up to $8,000 just for the devices themselves. If you only have Medicare Parts A and B, 100% of the cost of hearing aids, exams, and fittings will be your responsibility.
With Medicare Part C, some of this expense may be covered. The exact amount of coverage will depend on the plan you select. Some plans will cover a portion of your exam, fitting, and device(s). Others will apply these costs against your deductible, and some will offer a set amount of money toward your hearing aids and routine care, requiring you to pay any amount above their set limit.
For example, if your plan covers 50% of hearing care costs and your hearing aids cost $8,000, you would pay $4,000, and Medicare would pay the other $4,000.
If you have a plan with a $1,500 limit and your hearing care costs $4,500, your plan would pay $1,500 and you would pay the remaining $3,000.
How to Find Medicare Advantage Plans that Cover Hearing Aids
If you’re interested in covering the cost of hearing aids with Medicare, you’ll need to select the right Medicare Advantage Plan, which will require some research.
Medicare.gov offers a side-by-side comparison tool to help you compare the many different plans available in your area. SHIP, or State Health Insurance Assistance Program, also offers local, unbiased assistance to help you compare each plan and select the best one for your needs.
How to Get Hearing Aids with Medicare Advantage: A Step-by-Step Guide
Getting hearing aids through your Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Here is a step-by-step guide to help cover the cost of hearing aids with Medicare.
- Review your plan documents or call your insurance provider to confirm your hearing aid benefits. Ask specific questions about coverage limits, copays, and which hearing aid providers are in your network.
- Schedule a hearing evaluation with an audiologist or hearing specialist who accepts your Medicare Advantage plan.
- If you need hearing aids, discuss your options with your provider.
- Once you’ve selected hearing aids, your provider will submit the necessary paperwork to your insurance company. Your audiologist’s office will let you know what your plan covers and what you will need to pay for.
- After you’re approved, you’ll receive your hearing aids and attend fitting appointments to ensure they work correctly. Many plans also cover follow-up visits and adjustments. Don’t hesitate to contact your plan’s customer service if you have questions about coverage or claims.
What Different Medicare Advantage Plans Actually Pay
Medicare Advantage plan coverage for hearing aids varies by plan. Understanding each option will help you choose the best choice for your hearing health needs. Some common differences include:
- Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a hearing aid allowance that covers basic hearing aids in full or provides substantial discounts on premium models.
- Other plans partner with specific hearing aid manufacturers or retailers to offer deeply discounted devices.
- Some plans include routine hearing exams at no additional cost, while others require copays ranging from $0 to $50 per visit.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans provide unlimited batteries and maintenance for covered hearing aids, while others limit these services or charge separately for them.
- Premium Medicare Advantage plans sometimes offer higher hearing-aid allowances or cover advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and rechargeable batteries. However, you typically have to pay a higher monthly premium for these plans.
Always compare multiple Medicare Advantage plans during the annual enrollment period. This process can be very confusing, so don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help reviewing your options.
Other Ways to Offset the Cost of Hearing Aids Without Medicare Coverage
Even if you struggle to get Medicare to cover hearing aids, there are alternative methods to assist with that hefty hearing aid invoice.
You can purchase Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, to help lower your out-of-pocket expenses. While Medigap is available, there are some restrictions you should be aware of, like most states requiring the purchaser to be over 65. Only a handful of states offer a Medigap option for individuals under that age.
Many nonprofits and discount programs can help ease the cost of hearing aid coverage and care, including:
- Easter Seals
- Let Them Hear
- Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Miracle-Ear Foundation
- Sertoma International
You can also ask your doctor or healthcare provider for more information on the cost of hearing aids and get the support you need.
Understanding Out-of-Network Coverage for Hearing Aids
Be careful about choosing an out-of-network hearing aid provider. This can sometimes limit your Medicare Advantage benefits or cause you to pay more for your hearing aids.
Before you purchase your hearing aids, always ask questions about your plan’s out-of-network policy. Some plans require pre-authorization. Other plans require you to submit the claim yourself, rather than have your doctor do it for you.
Making Informed Choices About Hearing Aid Coverage with Medicare
The most important part of managing hearing aid expenses is understanding exactly what Medicare covers. Finding a Medicare Advantage Plan that lowers your out-of-pocket expenses for hearing and ear care is helpful, but it’s important to make sure the plan won’t increase your costs for other types of care.
Making informed choices about which Medicare Advantage Plan to select before you lock in is extremely important. If you start to feel overwhelmed by your selections, take advantage of the many local programs available to help you make the right choice.
While exploring Medicare coverage for hearing aids, consider other assistive hearing tools, such as caption phones or mobile devices, that can make your daily life easier. Learn more about ClearCaptions and how our phone captions work to make communication and connection with your friends and family easier—at no cost to qualified individuals!
Regardless of your Medicare coverage for hearing aids, staying connected with family and friends shouldn’t be a challenge. ClearCaptions offers captioning services to help you participate fully in every conversation—because maintaining those meaningful connections is what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get hearing aids through Medicare if I’m under 65?
It’s possible. If you qualify for Medicare due to disability or certain medical conditions, you might be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes hearing aid coverage.
Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries and maintenance?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aid batteries or maintenance. However, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans sometimes include coverage for batteries, cleaning, repairs, and routine maintenance as part of their hearing benefits.
How often will Medicare Advantage cover replacement hearing aids?
Typically, Medicare Advantage plans will allow you to get your hearing aids replaced every one to three years. Some plans may approve earlier replacements if your hearing aids are lost, damaged beyond repair, or if your hearing needs change significantly. However, coverage varies by plan.
Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for hearing aids if Medicare doesn’t cover them?
Yes, hearing aids are qualified medical expenses for both Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). You can use these pre-tax funds to purchase hearing aids, batteries, and maintenance services, even if Medicare doesn’t cover them.
Does Medicare cover cochlear implants, and how is that different from hearing aid coverage?
Yes, if cochlear implants are medically necessary, Medicare Part B will cover them and the surgery required to place them. Cochlear implants are considered prosthetic devices, unlike typical hearing aids, which is why Medicare Part B will cover the payment.
Do any Medicare plans cover over-the-counter hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer allowances or discounts that can be applied toward OTC hearing aids.
What can I do if I need hearing aids but can’t afford them even with Medicare Advantage?
Consider contacting nonprofit organizations such as the Hearing Loss Association of America or local Lions Clubs, which often offer hearing aid assistance programs. You can also ask your audiologist about payment plans.