Medicare's hearing aid coverage is limited: Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the exams to fit them, but Medicare Advantage plans sometimes do
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for hearing aids, hearing aid exams, or fittings. This has been true for decades and remains unchanged. If you have Original Medicare and want a hearing aid, you pay the full cost yourself — typically $1,000 to $6,000 per aid, depending on the model and features.
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 portion; many cover nothing. You need to check your specific plan's coverage document or call the plan directly to know what you would pay.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, exams, or fittings under any circumstance.
- Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing aids, but each plan sets its own limits — some cover $0, others cover up to $2,000 per ear per year.
- If your plan does cover hearing aids, you typically pay a copay or coinsurance, not the full price.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, and coverage is often more generous than Medicare Advantage.
How to find out what your Medicare Advantage plan covers
The fastest way is to call your plan's member services number, which is on your insurance card. Tell them you want to know about hearing aid coverage: whether they cover the exam, whether they cover the aids themselves, and what you would pay out of pocket. Write down the answer and ask them to send you the coverage details in writing.
You can also read your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which lists what is and is not covered. This document is available on your plan's website or by calling member services and asking them to mail it to you. Look for the section on hearing services or durable medical equipment.
If you are shopping for a new Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov. You can filter by hearing aid coverage and see which plans in your area include it. Keep in mind that coverage can change from year to year, so check again before each enrollment period.
What Original Medicare covers instead
Original Medicare covers a hearing test ordered by your doctor if there is a medical reason — for example, if you have sudden hearing loss or an ear infection. Your doctor must refer you to an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor), and Medicare pays for that diagnostic test. However, Medicare does not cover a routine hearing test done for the purpose of getting a hearing aid.
If your hearing loss is caused by a medical condition that Medicare does cover — such as diabetes or heart disease — Medicare will pay for treatment of that condition, but not for the hearing aid itself.
Medicaid and hearing aid coverage
Medicaid, the joint federal-state program for people with low income, covers hearing aids in most states. Coverage varies: some states cover one hearing aid per ear per year, others cover two, and a few cover more. Some states have no age limit; others limit coverage to children or working-age adults. A few states do not cover hearing aids at all.
To find out what your state's Medicaid program covers, contact your state Medicaid office or visit its website. You can also call 211 and ask for a referral to your local Medicaid office. If you think you may be income-may be able to access for Medicaid, your state's Medicaid office can tell you how the process works.
Other programs that may help pay for hearing aids
If you do not may have access to for Medicaid and your Medicare plan does not cover hearing aids, several nonprofit and community programs offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of these programs by state. Some programs are run by local health departments; others by charities focused on hearing loss.
Some hearing aid manufacturers offer patient information programs that reduce the cost of aids if your income is below a certain level. Ask the audiologist or hearing aid provider whether the brand they recommend has a program you might be may be able to access for.
Veterans with hearing loss may be covered through the Department of Veterans Affairs, regardless of Medicare status. If you are a veteran, contact your local VA medical center or call the Veterans Benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000.
How to prepare for a hearing aid purchase
Before you buy, gather these documents: your Medicare card, your insurance card (if you have Medicare Advantage), and any recent hearing test results. If you have a diagnosis of hearing loss from your doctor, bring that too.
Call your plan or your state Medicaid office before you see an audiologist. Ask whether you need a referral from your doctor, whether the audiologist must be in-network, and what paperwork you need to bring. Some plans require pre-approval before you purchase an aid; others do not. Knowing this in advance saves time and prevents surprises at checkout.
If cost is a barrier, ask the audiologist whether they work with any of the nonprofit programs or manufacturer information programs mentioned above. Many audiologists are familiar with these options and can help you find one you may have access to for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries?
Original Medicare does not cover batteries. If your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, it may or may not cover batteries — check your plan's coverage document or call member services. Medicaid coverage of batteries varies by state.
What if I have both Original Medicare and Medicaid?
You are called a "dual may be able to access" beneficiary. Medicaid is your primary payer for services it covers, including hearing aids in most states. explore through your state Medicaid office first. If Medicaid denies coverage or covers only part of the cost, Medicare does not fill the gap.
Can I use my Health Savings Account to pay for a hearing aid?
Yes. If you have a high-deductible health plan with an HSA, you can withdraw money tax-free to pay for hearing aids and related services. You do not need a prescription or prior approval from Medicare — the HSA rules are separate from Medicare coverage rules.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see an audiologist for a hearing aid?
It depends on your plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans require a referral; others do not. Call your plan's member services to ask. If you have Original Medicare and want to see an audiologist, you do not need a referral, but Medicare will not pay for the visit.
What happens if my hearing aid stops working after I buy it?
Hearing aids usually come with a manufacturer's warranty covering repairs or replacement for one to three years. After that, repair costs vary — typically $100 to $300. If your plan covers hearing aids, ask whether it also covers repairs and replacements after the warranty ends.