Humana's hearing aid coverage depends on which plan you have

Humana covers hearing aids through some Medicare Advantage plans, but not through Original Medicare (Part A and B). If you have a Humana Medicare Advantage plan, your coverage for hearing aids, hearing exams, and related services varies by the specific plan you chose. Some Humana plans include a hearing benefit; others do not. The only way to know what your plan covers is to check your plan documents or call Humana directly with your member ID.

Humana also sells Medigap (supplemental insurance) plans, which do not cover hearing aids at all. If you have Original Medicare plus a Humana Medigap plan, you have no hearing aid coverage through either one.

Key Takeaways

  • Humana Medicare Advantage plans may include hearing benefits, but coverage varies by plan and changes year to year.
  • Original Medicare and Humana Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams.
  • You can find your coverage details in your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document or by calling Humana's member services line.
  • If your Humana plan does cover hearing aids, it typically covers exams and a set dollar amount toward the cost of devices each year.
  • Some Humana plans cover hearing aids through a network of contracted providers, meaning you may pay less if you use those providers.

How to find out what your specific Humana plan covers

Your Humana plan documents spell out exactly what hearing services are covered. The fastest way to check is to log into your Humana member account online or call the member services number on the back of your insurance card. Have your member ID ready. Ask specifically whether your plan covers hearing exams, hearing aids, and how much of the cost is covered.

You can also request your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which lists all covered services and any limits or copays. This document is required by law and will tell you the dollar amount your plan will pay toward hearing aids each year, whether you need a referral, and which providers are in-network.

If you are shopping for a Humana plan during open enrollment, you can compare hearing benefits across different Humana Medicare Advantage plans on Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Look at the plan details for "hearing services" or "hearing aids" to see which plans include this benefit.

What Humana Medicare Advantage plans typically cover

Humana Medicare Advantage plans that include hearing benefits usually cover routine hearing exams (often once per year) and a set dollar amount toward hearing aids. The amount varies by plan — some plans cover $0 to $500 per year, while others may cover more. Some plans cover both ears; others cover one ear per year. You will typically pay a copay for the exam and then use your annual benefit amount to help pay for the devices themselves.

Many Humana plans that offer hearing benefits use a network of contracted hearing aid providers. If you use a provider in the network, you pay less out of pocket. If you go to a provider outside the network, you may pay the full cost and then submit a claim to Humana for reimbursement, though this is less common.

Coverage limits and copays change every year. Even if your plan covered hearing aids last year, you should check your current year's documents to confirm the benefit is still there and what the limits are.

Original Medicare and hearing aid coverage

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is a long-standing gap in Medicare coverage. If you have Original Medicare and want hearing aids, you pay the full cost out of pocket.

Some people with Original Medicare turn to Medicaid for hearing aid coverage if they meet income and asset limits, though Medicaid hearing aid coverage also varies by state. Others look into private hearing aid insurance or discount hearing aid programs. Your doctor or local health department can point you toward low-cost hearing services in your area.

What to do if your Humana plan does not cover hearing aids

If your Humana plan does not include a hearing benefit, you have several options. You can switch to a different Humana Medicare Advantage plan that does cover hearing aids during the next open enrollment period (usually October 15 to December 7 each year). You can also switch to Original Medicare and purchase a standalone hearing aid insurance plan or use a discount hearing aid program.

Some hearing aid manufacturers and retailers offer payment plans or discounts for uninsured patients. The Hearing Loss Association of America and your state's hearing aid licensing board can direct you to affordable options in your area. Some community health centers also offer low-cost hearing exams and services.

Costs you may pay out of pocket

Even if your Humana plan covers hearing aids, you will likely pay something out of pocket. Typical costs include a copay for the hearing exam (often $0 to $50), and then you use your annual benefit amount to help pay for the devices. Hearing aids themselves cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per pair depending on the technology and features. If your plan covers $500 per year, you would pay the remaining cost yourself.

Some Humana plans also require you to use a contracted provider to get the full benefit. If you choose an out-of-network provider, you may pay more or lose the benefit entirely. Always confirm the provider is in-network before scheduling an appointment.

Questions to ask Humana before you buy hearing aids

Before you schedule a hearing exam or purchase hearing aids, call Humana and ask these questions: Does my plan cover hearing aids this year? If yes, how much does it cover per year and per ear? Do I need a referral from my doctor? Which providers are in-network? What is my copay for the hearing exam? Will the plan cover the specific hearing aids my audiologist recommends, or are there restrictions? How do I submit a claim if I use an out-of-network provider?

Write down the answers and the name of the Humana representative you spoke with. If you later have a dispute about coverage, you will have a record of what you were told.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Humana cover hearing aids under Original Medicare?

No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. Only some Humana Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits. If you have Original Medicare with a Humana Medigap plan, you have no hearing aid coverage.

How much does Humana typically pay for hearing aids?

Coverage amounts vary by plan and change each year. Some Humana plans cover $0 to $500 per year toward hearing aids; others may cover more. Check your plan documents or call Humana to find out your specific benefit amount.

Can I use any hearing aid provider with my Humana plan?

Most Humana plans that cover hearing aids use a network of contracted providers. You pay less if you use an in-network provider. Out-of-network providers may not be covered, or you may have to pay more. Always ask Humana which providers are in-network before you schedule an appointment.

What if I switch to a different Humana plan during open enrollment?

You can switch to a different Humana Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7). Compare the hearing benefits across plans before you choose. Remember that any unused benefit from your current plan does not carry over to the new plan.

How do I know if my Humana plan covers hearing aids?

Check your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, log into your member account online, or call Humana member services at the number on your insurance card. Ask directly whether hearing aids and hearing exams are covered and what the annual benefit amount is.