Most insurance plans do not cover hearing aids, but some do — and the rules depend entirely on your plan type and the reason you need them

Medicare does not pay for hearing aids. Most private insurance plans do not either. Workers' compensation and the VA are the main exceptions, along with some employer plans and Medicaid programs in certain states. Before you assume you are paying out of pocket, you need to check three things: what your specific plan says, whether your hearing loss qualifies as a medical condition your plan covers, and whether the audiologist you choose is in your plan's network.

The coverage question matters because hearing aids cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per pair, and most people need two. If your plan does cover them, the difference between a covered and uncovered purchase can be thousands of dollars. If it does not, you have other routes — manufacturer discounts, payment plans, and used devices — but you need to know that first.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare covers hearing tests but not hearing aids themselves, even though Medicare Advantage plans sometimes do.
  • Private insurance rarely covers hearing aids unless your plan specifically lists them, which you can find by calling your insurer or reading your plan documents.
  • Workers' compensation covers hearing aids if the hearing loss happened at work, and the VA covers them for service-connected hearing loss.
  • Medicaid covers hearing aids in some states but not others, so you must check your state's program directly.
  • If your insurance does not cover them, manufacturer programs and nonprofit organizations offer discounts that can cut the cost by 20 to 50 percent.

How to find out what your plan covers

Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids?" Write down the name of the person you spoke to, the date, and what they said. If they say yes, ask whether there is a limit on how much they will pay, how often you can get new ones, and whether you need a referral from your doctor.

If they say no, ask whether your plan covers hearing tests or audiologist visits. Some plans will not pay for the device but will pay for the evaluation, which costs $100 to $300 on its own. You can also request a copy of your plan's coverage document — the formal list of what is and is not covered — and search it for the words "hearing aid" or "audiology." If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (not Original Medicare), ask specifically whether hearing aids are covered, because some Advantage plans do cover them even though Original Medicare does not.

Medicare and hearing aid coverage

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing tests. It covers a hearing test only if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — for example, if you have sudden hearing loss or dizziness — and only if the test is done in a hospital or outpatient facility, not at an audiologist's office.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are run by private insurers and can cover hearing aids if the plan chooses to. About one in four Advantage plans includes some hearing aid coverage, but the amount varies widely. Some cover one pair every few years; others cover two pairs per year. You have to check your specific plan's documents or call the plan directly to know what yours covers. If you are thinking about switching to an Advantage plan partly for hearing aid coverage, confirm the coverage is in writing before you enroll.

Private insurance and employer plans

Most private insurance plans sold on the individual market do not cover hearing aids. Some employer-sponsored plans do, especially larger employers. If you have employer coverage, check your plan documents or call your benefits department and ask whether hearing aids are covered and, if so, how much the plan pays.

A few insurers offer hearing aid coverage as an add-on or rider you can buy separately, usually for $10 to $30 per month. If your plan does not cover hearing aids, ask whether this option is available. Some plans also cover hearing aids through a discount program rather than full coverage — you pay a reduced price negotiated between the insurer and the hearing aid manufacturer.

Workers' compensation and VA coverage

If your hearing loss happened because of your job, workers' compensation covers hearing aids in all 50 states. You will need documentation that the hearing loss is work-related — usually a hearing test done by an audiologist or occupational health doctor — and you may need your employer or their insurance company to approve the purchase before you buy. The process varies by state, so contact your state's workers' compensation board or your employer's HR department for the exact steps.

The Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids for veterans with service-connected hearing loss. You do not have to pay anything out of pocket. Contact your local VA medical center or call the VA benefits line at 1-800-827-1000 to start the process. The VA also provides hearing tests and adjustments at no cost.

Medicaid and state programs

Medicaid covers hearing aids in some states but not all, and the rules differ by state. A few states cover them for all ages; others cover them only for children. Some states cover them only if the hearing loss meets a certain severity threshold. You have to check your state's Medicaid program directly — call your state Medicaid office or visit its website and search for "hearing aids."

Some states also run separate hearing aid programs for low-income adults or seniors. These are less common than Medicaid but worth checking. Your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you whether your state has one.

What to do if your insurance does not cover hearing aids

If your plan does not cover them, several routes can reduce the cost. Hearing aid manufacturers — Phonak, Signia, Widex, Oticon, and others — offer discount programs directly to consumers. You can also look for a hearing aid center that participates in a manufacturer's program; they will explore the discount at the time of purchase. Discounts typically range from 20 to 50 percent off the retail price.

Some nonprofit organizations, including the Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, maintain lists of low-cost or donated hearing aid programs in your area. The Lions Club also funds hearing aids for people who cannot afford them in some communities. Payment plans are another option — many audiologists and hearing aid retailers offer financing through companies like CareCredit, which lets you spread the cost over 6 to 24 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare Advantage cover hearing aids?

Some Medicare Advantage plans do, but not all. About one in four includes hearing aid coverage. You must check your specific plan's documents or call the plan to find out. If you are comparing plans, ask about hearing aid coverage before you enroll, because coverage varies widely between plans and between years.

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), you can use those funds to pay for hearing aids and related services like fittings and adjustments. You will need a receipt from the audiologist or hearing aid retailer. This works even if your insurance does not cover hearing aids.

What if I have both Medicare and private insurance?

Medicare is your primary payer, so it pays first. If your private insurance (called Medigap or a supplemental plan) covers hearing aids, it may pay some or all of what Medicare does not. Call both insurers to understand how they coordinate. In most cases, Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids because Original Medicare does not.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to get hearing aids?

Most insurance plans do not require a doctor's referral to see an audiologist or buy hearing aids. However, some plans do, so check your coverage documents or call your insurer. Even if a referral is not required, your doctor can order a hearing test if you have sudden hearing loss or other symptoms that suggest a medical cause.

Can I buy used hearing aids to save money?

Yes, used hearing aids cost 30 to 50 percent less than new ones. However, used devices may have limited battery life remaining, may not come with a warranty, and may not be compatible with current fitting software. If you go this route, buy from a reputable seller and ask about any warranty or return period. Some nonprofits also distribute refurbished hearing aids at reduced cost.