Medicare's Coverage of Hearing Aids

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is a hard limit in the program — it applies to all beneficiaries regardless of income or medical need. If you have Original Medicare and want a hearing aid, you will pay the full cost out of pocket.

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely by plan and by year. A few plans cover the full cost; most cover a partial amount (often $500 to $2,000 per year); some cover nothing. You need to check your specific plan's coverage document or call the plan directly to know what you have.

If you may have access to for both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids even if Medicare does not. Medicaid rules differ by state, so coverage depends on where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing tests, and this rule does not change based on your income or health status.
  • Medicare Advantage plans sometimes cover hearing aids, but the amount varies from $0 to full cost depending on your specific plan.
  • If you have Medicaid in addition to Medicare, your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids — check with your state Medicaid office.
  • You can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing aid coverage during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), but the plan must serve your area.
  • Veterans with VA coverage may have separate hearing aid benefits outside of Medicare.

How to Find Out What Your Plan Covers

If you have Original Medicare, you already know the answer: nothing. But if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to look at your plan's coverage details. The fastest way is to call the plan's customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, how much per year?"

When you call, also ask whether you need a referral from your primary care doctor, whether the hearing aid must come from a network provider, and whether there is a waiting period before coverage starts. Write down the answers — you will need them when you are ready to order.

You can also review your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which is available on the plan's website or by mail. Search the document for "hearing" or "audiology" to find the relevant section. The document will list what is covered, what you pay, and any limits on the number of aids or the dollar amount per year.

Switching Plans to Get Hearing Aid Coverage

If you have Original Medicare and want coverage for hearing aids, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period. This runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, and any plan you choose during this window takes effect on January 1.

Before you switch, confirm that a plan with hearing aid coverage is available in your area. Not all plans serve all counties. You can search for plans on Medicare.gov by entering your zip code. Look at the plan's coverage details to see what hearing aid benefit it offers.

Be aware that switching plans means changing your doctor network and your pharmacy network. If you have a doctor or pharmacy you want to keep, check whether they are in the new plan's network before you enroll. Also note that some plans have waiting periods for certain services, so coverage may not start when ready on January 1.

What Hearing Aids Cost Without Insurance

If you are paying out of pocket, hearing aid prices range widely depending on the technology level and the provider. Basic models start around $1,000 to $2,000 per aid; mid-range models run $2,000 to $4,000; high-end models can exceed $6,000. Most people need two aids, so total cost is often $2,000 to $12,000 or more.

The price includes the device itself, the fitting appointment, and follow-up adjustments. Some providers offer payment plans or discounts for buying two aids at once. Costco and Sam's Club often have lower prices than independent audiologists, though you need a membership to shop there.

If cost is a barrier, ask your audiologist or hearing aid provider whether they offer financial information programs, discounts for seniors, or refurbished models at lower cost. Some nonprofits also offer hearing aid banks or low-cost clinics in certain areas.

Medicaid Coverage by State

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. However, coverage rules vary significantly by state. Some states cover hearing aids for all adults; others limit coverage to children or specific age groups; some states do not cover hearing aids at all.

To find out what your state covers, contact your state Medicaid office. You can locate it through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website (cms.gov) or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for your state Medicaid office phone number. Have your Medicaid ID number ready when you call.

If your state does cover hearing aids, ask whether there is a waiting list, how often you can receive new aids (usually every three to five years), and whether you need a referral from your doctor. Some states require you to try less expensive options first before covering hearing aids.

VA Coverage for Veterans

If you are a veteran with VA health coverage, the Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids separately from Medicare. VA coverage is often more generous than Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans, and many veterans pay little or nothing for hearing aids through the VA.

To use your VA benefit, you must be enrolled in the VA health system. If you are enrolled, contact your local VA medical center or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 to request a hearing aid evaluation. The VA will conduct a hearing test and determine whether a hearing aid is medically necessary.

You can use both your VA benefit and your Medicare coverage, though you typically choose one or the other for each purchase. Some veterans use the VA for one aid and Medicare Advantage for a second aid to maximize coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Medicare to cover a hearing aid if my doctor says I need one?

No. Medicare's rule against covering hearing aids applies regardless of medical need or doctor recommendation. The only exception is if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes hearing aid coverage, or if you also have Medicaid in a state that covers hearing aids.

If I switch to a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing aid coverage, when does the benefit start?

Coverage begins on January 1 of the year following your enrollment. If you enroll during the October 15 to December 7 window, your new plan takes effect January 1. Some plans have waiting periods for certain services, so confirm the exact start date with your plan.

What if my Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids but my audiologist is not in the plan's network?

You can still see an out-of-network provider, but you will likely pay more out of pocket. Some plans cover out-of-network hearing aids at a lower rate than in-network providers. Call your plan to ask about out-of-network coverage before you schedule an appointment.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to get a hearing aid through Medicare Advantage?

It depends on your plan. Some plans require a referral; others do not. Check your plan's coverage document or call customer service to find out. If a referral is required, ask your primary care doctor for one before you contact an audiologist.

Can I use my Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefit to buy two aids, or does it cover only one?

Most plans that cover hearing aids cover both ears, but the annual dollar limit applies to both combined. For example, if your plan covers $1,500 per year, that $1,500 must cover both aids. Confirm the limit with your plan before you order.