Medicare Part B covers hearing aid exams but not the devices themselves
Medicare Part B pays for a hearing test to diagnose hearing loss, but it does not cover the cost of hearing aids. This has been true for decades. You will pay the full price of the hearing aid out of your own pocket, though the exam that determines you need one is covered at 80 percent after you meet your Part B deductible.
The one exception is if you are in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) — some of these plans do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely by plan and by state. If you have Advantage coverage, call the plan directly to ask whether hearing aids are included and what the out-of-pocket cost would be.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) has not covered hearing aids since the program began. Congress has discussed changing this, but no change has taken effect. If you rely on Original Medicare, you will need to budget for hearing aids separately or look into other funding sources.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers the hearing test that diagnoses hearing loss, but not the hearing aid itself.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but you must check your specific plan's details.
- If you have Original Medicare, hearing aids are a personal expense unless you find a community program or state information.
- Hearing aid prices range widely depending on the type and features, so getting multiple quotes can lower your cost.
- Veterans, Medicaid recipients, and people with low income may have separate pathways to hearing aid funding outside Medicare.
How to get the hearing test Medicare does cover
Your primary care doctor can refer you to an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a hearing test. The test itself is covered under Medicare Part B as a diagnostic service. You will pay 20 percent of the cost after you have met your Part B deductible for the year (the deductible is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly).
You do not need a referral in all cases — some audiologists and ENT offices accept Medicare patients directly. Before you schedule, call the office and confirm they accept Medicare and ask what your out-of-pocket cost will be. This prevents surprises at the appointment.
The hearing test usually takes 30 to 60 minutes and measures how well you hear different pitches and volumes. The results will show whether you have hearing loss and how severe it is. If the test shows you need a hearing aid, the audiologist or doctor will discuss options with you, but Medicare coverage ends there.
What hearing aids cost without insurance
Hearing aid prices vary based on the type, the technology level, and where you buy them. Basic hearing aids can cost $500 to $2,000 per device. More advanced models with features like Bluetooth connectivity, noise reduction, or directional microphones can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or more per device. Most people need two hearing aids (one for each ear), so total costs often run $1,000 to $12,000 or higher.
Some hearing aids are sold through big-box retailers like Costco, which often have lower prices than independent audiologists. Others are sold only through licensed hearing aid dispensers. Prices also depend on whether the dispenser includes follow-up visits, adjustments, and repairs in the cost or charges separately.
Because prices vary so much, it is worth getting quotes from at least two or three places before you decide. Ask each place what is included in the price — some bundle fitting, adjustments, and a warranty, while others charge extra for these services.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing aid coverage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are run by private insurance companies under contract with Medicare. Some Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage as an added benefit, but most do not. The ones that do typically cover a set dollar amount per year — often $500 to $2,000 — rather than the full cost of the device.
Coverage rules differ by plan and by state. One Advantage plan in your area might cover hearing aids while another does not. If you have an Advantage plan, you can find out what it covers by calling the plan's customer service number (on your insurance card) or logging into your plan's website and looking at the benefits summary.
If you are thinking about switching to an Advantage plan partly for hearing aid coverage, remember that you can only change plans during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or if you have a may have access to life event. If you need hearing aids before the next enrollment period, you will have to pay out of pocket or look for other funding.
Other funding sources for hearing aids
If you do not have Advantage coverage that includes hearing aids, several other pathways may help. State programs vary, but many states have hearing aid information programs for older adults with limited income. Contact your state's department of health or aging to ask whether such a program exists in your state and what the income limits are.
Veterans can receive hearing aids through the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) if they served on active duty and have a service-connected hearing loss or other may have access to condition. Call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit VA.gov to learn whether you may have access to.
Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, though the rules vary. If you are on Medicaid, contact your state Medicaid office to ask what hearing aid coverage looks like in your state — some cover the full cost, others cover part of it, and a few cover nothing.
Some nonprofit organizations and community health centers offer reduced-cost or free hearing aids to people who cannot afford them. The Hearing Loss Association of America (hearingloss.org) maintains a directory of these programs by state. Local Area Agencies on Aging can also point you toward community resources.
What to do if you cannot afford a hearing aid right now
If you need a hearing aid but cannot pay for one yet, start by getting the Medicare-covered hearing test. The results will give you a clear picture of your hearing loss and what type of device you need, which helps you plan and budget.
While you are saving, ask your doctor or audiologist about temporary strategies — some people benefit from hearing loop systems in public places, captioning services, or smartphone apps that amplify sound. These are not substitutes for a hearing aid, but they can help in the meantime.
Keep checking back with community programs and state resources, as funding becomes available at different times of year. Some programs have waiting lists, and your name on a list now means you may be contacted when money opens up. The Hearing Loss Association of America and your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you which programs in your area have active funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) cover hearing aids?
No. Part D covers prescription medications only, not medical devices like hearing aids. Hearing aids are not drugs, so they fall outside Part D's scope entirely.
If I buy a hearing aid out of state, will Medicare cover it?
No. Medicare does not cover hearing aids regardless of where you buy them — state lines do not change that rule. However, you may find lower prices in some states, so it is worth comparing costs if you are near a border.
Can I use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for hearing aids?
Yes. If you have an HSA or FSA through your employer or a marketplace plan, hearing aids and hearing aid exams are considered may have access to medical expenses. You can use pre-tax money from these accounts to pay for them. Check your plan's rules to confirm.
What if my hearing aid breaks or stops working?
Medicare does not cover repairs or replacements. If your hearing aid is under warranty (usually one to three years), the manufacturer or dispenser may repair or replace it at no cost. After the warranty expires, you pay for repairs out of pocket. Ask about warranty length and repair costs when you buy the device.
Do I need to see a doctor before buying a hearing aid, or can I buy one directly?
You can buy a hearing aid without a doctor's order in most states, but getting a hearing test first is a good idea. The test shows what type of hearing aid will work best for your specific hearing loss. Some states require a doctor's order or a recent hearing test (within six months) before a dispenser can sell you a hearing aid.