Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is one of the largest gaps in Medicare coverage for seniors. If you have Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you will pay the full cost out of pocket — typically $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, depending on the type and features.
Medicare Part B does cover a one-time hearing test if your doctor refers you for one to diagnose a medical condition (not for fitting hearing aids). The test itself is covered, but the hearing aids that may follow are not.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely. If hearing aid coverage matters to you, you need to check your specific plan's details before you enroll or during the annual open enrollment period.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or the exams to fit them, leaving the full cost to you.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but the amount covered and the brands available differ by plan.
- You can ask your plan directly what hearing aids cost under their coverage, or contact your state health insurance counselor for help reading your plan's details.
- If you cannot afford hearing aids, some nonprofits and state programs offer discounted or donated devices based on income.
How Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan's customer service number to learn what hearing aid coverage you have. Coverage typically includes a set dollar amount per ear per year — often $500 to $2,000 — rather than covering the full cost. Some plans cover only certain brands or styles of hearing aids.
Many Medicare Advantage plans require you to use an in-network provider, meaning you must go to a hearing aid dispenser the plan has contracted with. If you go out of network, you may pay more or get no coverage at all. Your plan documents should list which providers are in network in your area.
If you are thinking about switching plans during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year), hearing aid coverage is one reason to compare plans. A plan that covers hearing aids might save you thousands over the course of a year.
What to do if you have Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you have several options. You can purchase hearing aids directly from a private dispenser and pay out of pocket. You can also look into whether you may have access to for Medicaid in your state — Medicaid sometimes covers hearing aids for seniors who meet income and asset limits, though coverage varies by state.
Some states have programs specifically for hearing aid information. Contact your state health department or your Area Agency on Aging to ask whether your state offers reduced-cost or donated hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a state-by-state directory of these programs on their website.
You may also may have access to for hearing aids through the Veterans Health Administration if you are a veteran, or through your state's vocational rehabilitation program if you are still working or looking for work.
Nonprofit and discount programs for hearing aids
Several national nonprofits help seniors pay for hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and the Lions Club all have programs that distribute discounted or donated hearing aids based on financial need. These organizations do not charge process fees.
Some hearing aid manufacturers also offer patient information programs for people who cannot afford their devices. You can ask a hearing aid dispenser whether the brand you are interested in has a program you might may have access to for.
Online hearing aid retailers sometimes offer lower prices than brick-and-mortar dispensers, though you will not have in-person fitting and adjustment services. If you choose this route, make sure the retailer is licensed in your state and offers a return period in case the aids do not work for you.
How to read your Medicare Advantage plan's hearing aid coverage
Your plan's coverage details are in the Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which you receive when you enroll and can also request from the plan. Look for a section titled "Hearing Services" or "Durable Medical Equipment." The document should tell you the dollar amount covered per ear, whether you need a referral, and which providers are in network.
If the document is unclear, call your plan's customer service number and ask directly: "What is my hearing aid coverage, and which providers in my area are in network?" Write down the representative's name and the date of the call in case you need to reference it later.
You can also contact your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP), a free counseling service that helps Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage. SHIP counselors can read your plan documents with you and explain what you will pay out of pocket.
What happens if you need hearing aids before you turn 65
If you are under 65 and need hearing aids, Medicare is not an option. You may have coverage through your employer's health plan, Medicaid (if you may have access to), or the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Some employer plans cover hearing aids; others do not. Check your plan documents or call your benefits administrator.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing and under 65, you may also may have access to for state vocational rehabilitation services, which can help pay for hearing aids if they are needed for work or job training. Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation agency to learn whether you may have access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aid batteries. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids, check your plan documents to see whether batteries are included in your coverage. Some plans cover them; others do not.
Can I use my Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefit at any dispenser?
Most Medicare Advantage plans require you to use an in-network provider. If you go to an out-of-network dispenser, you will likely pay more or receive no coverage. Check your plan documents or call customer service to confirm which dispensers are in network near you.
What if my hearing aids cost more than my plan covers?
You will pay the difference out of pocket. Some plans allow you to use your full benefit amount on one ear or split it between two ears — ask your plan how the benefit works before you buy. You can also shop around; prices vary between dispensers even for the same hearing aid model.
Do I need a doctor's referral to get hearing aids under Medicare Advantage?
Some Medicare Advantage plans require a referral from your primary care doctor; others do not. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find out. If a referral is required, your doctor can usually send one to the in-network dispenser directly.
Can I switch Medicare Advantage plans if my current plan does not cover hearing aids?
Yes, during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare. If hearing aid coverage is important to you, compare plans during this time to find one that covers the devices you need.