AARP Medicare Plans and Hearing Aid Coverage
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. AARP offers Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) through UnitedHealthcare, and some of these plans do include hearing aid coverage — but the amount and what you pay out of pocket varies by the specific plan and your location.
If you have an AARP Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage depends on which plan you chose. Some AARP plans offer a hearing aid benefit that covers a portion of the cost; others offer a discount on hearing aids through a network provider instead. A few plans cover nothing for hearing aids. You need to check your own plan documents or call the member services number on your card to know what applies to you.
The coverage is not the same across all AARP plans, and it changes year to year. Plans available in one county may not be available in another, and the hearing aid benefit in a plan sold in one state may differ from the same plan name in a different state.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some AARP Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing aid benefit or discount.
- The amount covered and what you pay depends on your specific AARP plan, so you must check your plan documents or call member services.
- AARP plans that do cover hearing aids typically cover one or two aids per year and may require you to use an in-network provider.
- If your current plan does not cover hearing aids, you can switch to a different AARP plan during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7).
- Some AARP plans offer discounts through hearing aid retailers even when they do not cover the full cost.
How to Find Out What Your AARP Plan Covers
The fastest way is to call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Have your plan name and member ID ready. Ask specifically: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If yes, how much does it cover per aid, how many aids per year, and do I have to use a specific provider?"
You can also log into your AARP member account online and look for your plan documents. Search for "hearing aid" or "hearing" in the benefits section. The official document is called your Summary of Benefits and Coverage or your Evidence of Coverage — these spell out exactly what is and is not covered.
If you cannot find the answer in your documents, contact AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277. They can tell you whether your plan includes a hearing aid benefit and direct you to the right department for details.
What AARP Hearing Aid Coverage Usually Looks Like
When an AARP Medicare Advantage plan does cover hearing aids, it typically covers one or two aids per calendar year. The plan may pay a set dollar amount toward each aid (for example, $500 per aid) or it may cover a percentage of the cost after you meet a deductible.
Most plans that include hearing aid coverage require you to use an in-network provider — a hearing aid retailer or audiologist that has a contract with UnitedHealthcare. If you go to an out-of-network provider, you may pay the full cost yourself or receive a smaller reimbursement.
Some AARP plans do not cover hearing aids directly but instead offer a discount program. This means the plan has negotiated a reduced price with certain hearing aid retailers, and you pay the discounted price out of pocket. The discount is usually 10 to 20 percent off the retail price.
Switching Plans if Your Current Plan Does Not Cover Hearing Aids
If you have an AARP Medicare Advantage plan that does not cover hearing aids and you need them, you can switch to a different AARP plan that does. You can make this change during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Any plan you switch to takes effect on January 1.
You can also switch plans if you move to a new state or county where different plans are available. Life changes — such as losing employer coverage or turning 65 — may also open a special enrollment period outside the regular window.
Before you switch, compare the total cost of the new plan, not just the hearing aid benefit. A plan with excellent hearing aid coverage might have a higher monthly premium or higher copays for doctor visits and prescriptions. Use the AARP plan comparison tool on their website or call 1-888-687-2277 to compare plans side by side.
Other Ways to Pay for Hearing Aids if Your Plan Does Not Cover Them
If your AARP plan does not cover hearing aids and you cannot switch plans, you have other options. Some hearing aid retailers offer payment plans that let you spread the cost over several months with little or no interest. Others offer discounts for paying in full upfront.
You may also be able to deduct hearing aids as a medical expense on your federal income tax return if your total medical expenses exceed a certain threshold. Talk to a tax professional or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to learn whether you may have access to.
Some state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids for seniors who meet income and asset limits. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), contact your state Medicaid office to ask whether hearing aids are covered under your state's plan.
What to Ask Your Doctor Before Buying Hearing Aids
Before you purchase hearing aids, see your primary care doctor or an audiologist for a hearing test. This step matters because some hearing loss is caused by conditions that can be treated — such as earwax buildup or an ear infection — and treating the underlying problem may improve your hearing without needing aids.
Ask your doctor for a referral to an audiologist if you need one. Some AARP plans cover the cost of a hearing test; others do not. Your doctor can also tell you whether your hearing loss is the type that hearing aids can help with, and they can rule out other medical causes.
If you have questions about how your specific AARP plan covers the hearing test itself, call member services before you schedule the appointment.
When to Contact AARP or Your Plan
Contact your AARP plan when ready if you are denied coverage for hearing aids and you believe you should be covered. You have the right to file an appeal. Call the member services number on your card and ask how to file a formal appeal of the denial.
Also reach out if you are confused about whether your plan covers hearing aids, if the amount of coverage has changed, or if you want to know which hearing aid providers are in your plan's network. Do not assume your coverage based on what a friend's plan covers — it may be different.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Original Medicare cover hearing aids?
No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. Only some Medicare Advantage plans, including certain AARP plans, include hearing aid coverage.
Can I use any hearing aid provider with my AARP plan?
Most AARP plans that cover hearing aids require you to use an in-network provider to receive the full benefit. Using an out-of-network provider usually means you pay more out of pocket. Call member services to find in-network providers in your area.
What if I need hearing aids but my AARP plan does not cover them?
You can switch to a different AARP plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) if a plan with hearing aid coverage is available in your area. You can also explore payment plans through hearing aid retailers, tax deductions, or state Medicaid coverage if you may have access to.
How much does AARP typically cover for one hearing aid?
Coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover a set amount per aid (such as $500), while others cover a percentage of the cost. Check your plan documents or call member services for your specific coverage amount.
Do I need a hearing test before I can get coverage?
Most plans require a hearing test before covering hearing aids. Some AARP plans cover the cost of the test; others do not. Ask your plan whether the test is covered and whether you need a referral from your doctor.