Most health insurance plans do not cover hearing aids, but some do — and the rules depend on your specific plan and insurer
Whether your health insurance covers hearing aids depends on three things: the type of insurance you have, what your plan documents say, and whether you meet your insurer's requirements. Medicare does not cover hearing aids at all. Most private plans exclude them. Some employer plans and Medicaid programs in certain states do cover part or all of the cost. The only way to know what your plan covers is to call your insurer directly and ask about hearing aid coverage — do not assume based on what a friend's plan covers.
If your plan does cover hearing aids, you will usually face a copay, coinsurance, or a dollar limit per ear per year. Some plans require you to see an audiologist in their network. Others require a doctor's referral first. A few plans cover the device but not the fitting and testing. The coverage rules are different enough between insurers that two people with the same plan name from the same employer can have different benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare does not cover hearing aids under any circumstance, though some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited coverage as an added benefit.
- Most employer health plans exclude hearing aids entirely, but some cover them at 50 to 80 percent after you meet your deductible.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in some states but not others, and coverage rules vary widely by state program.
- The only way to know what your plan covers is to call your insurer's customer service line and ask specifically about hearing aid coverage limits and network requirements.
- If your plan does not cover hearing aids, you may be able to deduct the cost on your taxes or find discounts through membership programs and manufacturer information.
Medicare and hearing aids
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or the cost of a hearing test to determine if you need one. This has been true for decades and remains true today. If you are on Original Medicare and want hearing aids, you pay the full cost out of pocket.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C plans sold by private insurers) do offer hearing aid coverage as an added benefit. The coverage varies: some plans cover a set dollar amount per year (often $500 to $2,000), others cover a percentage of the cost, and some cover nothing. You need to check your specific plan's benefits document or call the plan directly. If you are thinking about switching plans during open enrollment, hearing aid coverage can be a reason to compare plans side by side.
Private employer health plans
Most employer plans sold to businesses do not cover hearing aids. The reason is cost: hearing aids are expensive, and insurers treat them as a separate category from medical devices like wheelchairs or oxygen equipment. However, some larger employers and union plans do include hearing aid coverage, usually with limits.
If your employer plan does cover hearing aids, the typical structure is: you pay a copay or coinsurance (20 to 50 percent of the cost), the plan covers the rest up to a yearly limit (often $1,000 to $3,000 per ear), and you must use an audiologist in the plan's network. Some plans require a referral from your primary care doctor first. The best way to find out is to look at your plan's summary of benefits and coverage document (your employer or HR department can send this to you), or call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask specifically: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, what is the dollar limit, what is my copay or coinsurance, and do I need to use a network provider?"
Medicaid coverage by state
Medicaid is run by each state, so hearing aid coverage depends on where you live. Some states cover hearing aids for adults, some cover them only for children, and some do not cover them at all. A few states cover the device but not the fitting and testing. Others cover both. The dollar limits and network rules also vary by state.
To find out whether your state's Medicaid program covers hearing aids, contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can find your state program through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website or by calling your state's health department. If you are already on Medicaid, you can also call the customer service number on your Medicaid card. If your state does cover hearing aids, you will likely need a referral from your doctor and will have to use a provider in the Medicaid network.
What to do if your insurance does not cover hearing aids
If your plan excludes hearing aids, you have several options. First, check whether you can deduct the cost on your federal income taxes. The IRS allows you to deduct hearing aids and related services as a medical expense, but only if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Talk to a tax professional to see whether this applies to you.
Second, look into hearing aid discount programs. Some membership organizations (like AARP) offer discounts on hearing aids through partner providers. Some hearing aid manufacturers offer direct-to-consumer programs or patient information programs that reduce the cost. Costco and Sam's Club sell hearing aids at lower prices than many independent audiologists. These are not insurance, but they can cut your out-of-pocket cost significantly.
Third, ask your audiologist or hearing aid provider whether they offer payment plans or financing options. Some practices let you pay in installments over 12 to 24 months, sometimes interest-free. This does not reduce the total cost, but it spreads the payment out.
How to check your specific plan's coverage
Do not rely on a general answer about your plan type. Call your insurer directly. Have your insurance card in front of you. Ask: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If yes, what is the yearly dollar limit per ear? Do I need to use a network provider? Do I need a referral from my doctor? What is my copay or coinsurance percentage?" Write down the answers and ask for a confirmation email or letter.
If the customer service representative says they are not sure, ask to speak with someone in the benefits department or ask them to send you a written answer. Some insurers have a separate line for durable medical equipment (DME) questions, and hearing aids may be classified that way in your plan. If you get transferred, stay on the line and get the same questions answered by the new representative.
What happens after you confirm coverage
Once you know your plan covers hearing aids, the next step is to see an audiologist or hearing aid provider in your plan's network (if your plan requires it). Bring your insurance card and ask the provider's office to verify your benefits before your appointment. This means the office will call your insurer and confirm exactly what your plan will pay, what your copay is, and whether you need a referral.
The provider will do a hearing test, discuss which hearing aids fit your needs and budget, and explain what your insurance will and will not cover. Some hearing aids cost more than your plan's yearly limit, which means you pay the difference out of pocket. Ask the provider to give you a cost estimate in writing before you buy, showing what the hearing aids cost, what your insurance covers, and what you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids at all?
No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing tests. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage as an added benefit, but you must check your specific plan's details. Call your plan or review your benefits document to see if yours includes it.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for hearing aids?
Yes. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) through your employer, you can use those funds to pay for hearing aids and related services. This is true even if your health insurance plan does not cover them. Check with your plan administrator about the process for submitting receipts.
What if my plan covers hearing aids but the audiologist is out of network?
If you use an out-of-network provider, your plan may not cover any of the cost, or it may cover less than it would in-network. Some plans have no out-of-network coverage for hearing aids at all. Always verify that your provider is in-network before your appointment, or ask your insurer what they will cover if you see an out-of-network audiologist.
Do I need a doctor's referral to get hearing aids covered?
Some plans require a referral from your primary care doctor; others do not. Check your plan's rules or ask your insurer when you call to verify coverage. If a referral is required, contact your doctor's office before you schedule your hearing test with the audiologist.
How much do hearing aids cost if insurance does not cover them?
Hearing aid prices vary widely depending on the technology level and features. Basic models can cost $500 to $1,500 per ear, while advanced models cost $2,000 to $6,000 or more per ear. Fitting and testing fees are usually separate. Ask your audiologist for a written price list before you commit to anything.