Medicaid does cover hearing aids for seniors, but the details depend on which state you live in

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, which means each state sets its own rules about hearing aid coverage. Some states cover hearing aids fully or partially; others cover them only for children or only in specific situations. Your state's Medicaid program is the only source that can tell you what is covered where you live. The best first step is to contact your state Medicaid office directly or ask your doctor's office to check your coverage.

If you are already on Medicaid, you likely have a member handbook or a customer service number on your card. That is the fastest way to find out whether hearing aids are covered under your plan and what the process looks like. If you are not yet on Medicaid but think you might be, your state's Medicaid office can tell you whether you meet the income and asset limits for your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicaid hearing aid coverage varies by state — some cover them fully, some partially, and some do not cover them at all for seniors.
  • Your state Medicaid office or your plan's customer service line can tell you in one call whether hearing aids are covered under your specific plan.
  • If your state does cover hearing aids, you will usually need a doctor's referral or prescription and may have to use a provider on your plan's network.
  • Some states limit coverage to one pair per year or per several years, or cap the dollar amount they will pay.
  • Medicare (the federal program for people 65 and older) does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage.

How state Medicaid programs handle hearing aid coverage

States that do cover hearing aids through Medicaid typically require you to see an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor first. That doctor will assess your hearing and write a referral or prescription. You then take that to a hearing aid provider who is in your Medicaid network — using an out-of-network provider usually means you pay the full cost yourself.

Many states that cover hearing aids limit how often you can get a new pair. Common limits are one pair every two years, one pair every three years, or one pair per year. Some states set a dollar cap — for example, they will pay up to $1,000 per hearing aid or $2,000 per pair. If the hearing aids cost more than that, you pay the difference. A few states cover the full cost with no limit, but this is less common.

Processing times vary. Some Medicaid programs approve hearing aid coverage within a few days; others take two to four weeks. Ask your audiologist or provider how long approval typically takes in your state so you know what to expect.

States with no hearing aid coverage or limited coverage for seniors

Several states do not cover hearing aids through Medicaid for adults, or they cover them only for children under a certain age. If you live in one of these states, you will need to pay out of pocket or look for other resources. Some hearing aid manufacturers offer patient information programs that reduce the cost if your income is low. Some nonprofits, like the Hearing Loss Association of America, maintain lists of low-cost or donated hearing aid programs by region.

Even if your state does not cover hearing aids through regular Medicaid, it is worth asking whether you may have access to for any special programs. Some states have separate funds for seniors or people with disabilities that may cover hearing aids even if the main Medicaid program does not. Your state Medicaid office can tell you whether such programs exist where you live.

The difference between Medicaid and Medicare for hearing aids

Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is true for Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and for most people on Medicare Advantage plans. However, some Medicare Advantage plans do offer limited hearing aid coverage — usually a discount on hearing aids or a small annual allowance toward the cost. You would need to check your specific plan's details.

If you are 65 or older and on both Medicare and Medicaid (sometimes called "dual may be able to access"), your state Medicaid program may cover hearing aids even though Medicare does not. In that case, Medicaid would be the payer. This is another reason to contact your state Medicaid office directly — they can tell you what your coverage looks like given your specific situation.

What to do if your state does not cover hearing aids

If Medicaid in your state does not cover hearing aids, you have several options. Some hearing aid companies offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over time. Others offer refurbished or older-model hearing aids at a lower price. Costco and Sam's Club sell hearing aids at lower prices than many independent audiologists, and you do not have to be a member to use their hearing aid services in most states.

The Veterans Affairs (VA) program covers hearing aids for veterans at no cost, regardless of income. If you are a veteran, contact your local VA medical center or call the VA benefits line to learn about hearing aid coverage. Some community health centers also offer reduced-cost hearing services on a sliding fee scale based on income.

How to find out what your state covers

The fastest way is to call your state Medicaid office. You can find the phone number by searching "[your state] Medicaid" online or by calling 211, which is a free helpline that connects you to local health and human services programs. Have your Medicaid member ID ready if you have one.

If you do not yet have Medicaid, you can still call your state Medicaid office to ask about hearing aid coverage and whether you might be may be able to access for the program based on your income and assets. Some states also have online portals where you can check coverage details without calling.

Your doctor's office may also be able to check your coverage for you. Many medical offices have staff who work with insurance and can call Medicaid on your behalf to find out what hearing aids are covered under your plan.

What happens after Medicaid approves your hearing aids

Once your state Medicaid program approves coverage, you will work with an audiologist or hearing aid provider to choose the hearing aids that fit your needs and budget. The provider will order the hearing aids, fit them to your ears, and program them for your specific hearing loss. You may have follow-up appointments to adjust the fit or the settings.

Keep all paperwork from your Medicaid approval and from your provider. If there is ever a question about what was covered or what you owe, that paperwork will help settle it. If your hearing aids break or stop working within the coverage period, ask your provider whether repairs or replacement are covered under Medicaid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a hearing aid provider in my Medicaid network?

In most states, yes. Using an out-of-network provider means Medicaid will not pay, and you will owe the full cost. Your Medicaid plan should have a list of approved providers, or you can call your plan to ask which audiologists and hearing aid providers are in network near you.

What if I need hearing aids but my state does not cover them?

You can pay out of pocket, use a payment plan, or look for low-cost programs through nonprofits or hearing aid manufacturers. The Hearing Loss Association of America and your local Area Agency on Aging can point you toward programs in your region. Some community health centers also offer sliding-scale hearing services.

Can I get new hearing aids if my old ones break?

It depends on your state's rules and how long ago you received your last pair. If you are within the coverage window (for example, if your state covers one pair every two years and it has been less than two years), repairs or replacement may be covered. Ask your provider or your Medicaid plan directly.

If I am on Medicare, can I get hearing aids through Medicaid instead?

Only if you are also on Medicaid (dual may be able to access). If you are on Medicare only, Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited hearing aid discounts, so check your plan's details. Otherwise, you would need to pay out of pocket or find a low-cost program.

How long does it take to get hearing aids once Medicaid approves them?

Approval usually takes a few days to four weeks, depending on your state. After approval, ordering and fitting the hearing aids typically takes one to two weeks. Ask your provider for a timeline specific to your state and their office.