Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover the cost of hearing aids themselves or the fitting and adjustment that goes with them. This is true whether you have traditional Medicare or a Medigap supplemental plan. However, Medicare does cover the hearing test (called an audiological exam) that determines whether you need a hearing aid, as long as your doctor refers you and the test is medically necessary.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), coverage varies by plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans do offer hearing aid benefits — usually a set dollar amount per ear per year, often between $500 and $2,000. You need to check your specific plan's coverage details, because not all plans include this benefit and the amount covered differs widely.
The gap between what Medicare covers and what hearing aids cost means most people on Medicare pay out of pocket for the devices themselves. A single hearing aid typically costs between $1,000 and $6,000 depending on the technology and features. Many people need two.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or their fitting, though it does cover the hearing test if your doctor refers you.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits, but the amount and coverage rules vary by plan — you must check your own plan's details.
- Medigap supplemental plans do not cover hearing aids, even though they cover some services Original Medicare does not.
- If you cannot afford a hearing aid, programs like the Hearing Aid Partnership and some state vocational rehabilitation services may help reduce the cost.
How to find out what your specific plan covers
If you have Original Medicare, your coverage is the same as everyone else's: the hearing test is covered, the hearing aid is not. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you need to look at your plan's coverage document, called the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC). This document lists what hearing services are included and any limits on cost or frequency.
You can find your plan's SBC on your plan's website, or you can call the plan's customer service number (on your insurance card) and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, how much per ear per year?" Write down the answer and ask for the coverage details in writing if the amount is substantial enough to affect your decision.
If you are thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan partly for hearing aid coverage, compare the hearing benefit against the plan's other costs — copays, deductibles, and network restrictions — because a low hearing aid benefit does not offset high costs elsewhere.
What the hearing test covers and when you need a referral
Medicare covers an audiological exam (a formal hearing test) when a doctor orders it for a medical reason. The test itself is free under Part B, with no copay or deductible. However, you must have a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician — you cannot straightforward walk into an audiologist's office and have Medicare pay for the test without that referral.
The medical reason does not have to be a hearing loss diagnosis. Your doctor can refer you if you report hearing difficulty, if hearing loss is affecting your safety or quality of life, or if it is a side effect of another condition or medication. Once you have the referral, the audiologist will perform the test and provide results that show whether you have hearing loss and how severe it is.
This test is separate from a hearing aid fitting. The fitting — the appointment where an audiologist adjusts the device to your ear and programs it to your hearing loss — is not covered by Medicare and is your responsibility to pay for.
Programs that may help reduce the cost of hearing aids
Several organizations offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids to people who cannot afford them. The Hearing Aid Partnership, run by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), connects people with audiologists who offer discounted hearing aids or refurbished devices. You can search for participating providers in your area on their website.
Some state vocational rehabilitation agencies help people on Medicare obtain hearing aids if the hearing loss affects your ability to work or live independently. may be able to access and the amount of help vary by state. You can contact your state's vocational rehabilitation office (often called the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation or Department of Rehabilitation Services) to ask whether you meet their criteria.
A few manufacturers offer patient information programs that reduce the cost of hearing aids based on income. Phonak, Oticon, Widex, and Starkey all have programs, though the income limits and discounts vary. Your audiologist may know which manufacturers' programs you might may have access to for based on your situation.
The difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage for hearing coverage
Original Medicare is the same for everyone — no hearing aid coverage, hearing test covered with a referral. Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies and can add benefits that Original Medicare does not include. Some add hearing aids; others do not.
If hearing aid coverage is important to you, a Medicare Advantage plan with that benefit might make sense. But remember that Medicare Advantage plans also have network restrictions (you may have to see audiologists in their network), prior authorization requirements (the plan may require approval before you buy a hearing aid), and annual limits (the plan may cover only a certain dollar amount per year or per ear).
If you are on Original Medicare and want hearing aid coverage, you cannot add it through a Medigap plan. Medigap plans fill gaps in Original Medicare's coverage — they cover copays, coinsurance, and deductibles — but they do not add new benefits that Original Medicare does not already cover. Since Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, Medigap will not either.
What to ask your doctor and audiologist
Before you see an audiologist, ask your primary care doctor whether a hearing test is medically necessary for you and whether they will refer you. This ensures Medicare will cover the test. When you call the audiologist's office to schedule, confirm that they accept Medicare and that they have received your doctor's referral.
Once you have your hearing test results, ask the audiologist what hearing aids they recommend and what the total cost will be, including the device, fitting, and any follow-up adjustments. Ask whether they offer any payment plans, discounts for cash payment, or whether they participate in any manufacturer information programs. If the cost is more than you can manage, ask whether they know of any low-cost options or refurbished devices.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, call your plan before you buy a hearing aid and ask whether you need prior authorization, whether the audiologist is in-network, and exactly how much the plan will pay toward the device.
When to seek help if you cannot afford a hearing aid
If your audiologist has recommended a hearing aid but the cost is a barrier, do not wait. Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation office or search the Hearing Aid Partnership website for low-cost options in your area. Some audiologists have waiting lists for donated or refurbished devices, so the sooner you inquire, the sooner you might get help.
If you are struggling with the decision of whether to buy a hearing aid at all, talk to your doctor about the health effects of untreated hearing loss — it is linked to falls, cognitive decline, and social isolation in older adults. Sometimes understanding the medical reason for treatment makes the cost decision clearer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicaid cover hearing aids?
Medicaid coverage of hearing aids varies by state. Some states cover them fully or partially; others do not. Contact your state's Medicaid office or look at your Medicaid plan documents to find out what your state covers. 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.
Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for a hearing aid?
Yes. If you have an HSA through a high-deductible health plan, you can use HSA funds to pay for hearing aids and their fitting without penalty. The hearing aid must be prescribed by a doctor, and you will need to keep the receipt and your doctor's order as proof for tax purposes.
What if I already bought a hearing aid before I knew Medicare did not cover it?
Medicare will not reimburse you for a hearing aid you have already purchased. However, if you bought it recently and the seller has a return policy, you may be able to return it. Ask your audiologist about their return window and whether you can explore any refund toward a lower-cost option or a payment plan.
Do VA benefits cover hearing aids if I am a veteran on Medicare?
Yes. If you are a veteran, the VA covers hearing aids and hearing aid services through the VA health system, regardless of whether you are on Medicare. You do not have to choose between VA coverage and Medicare coverage — you can use both. Contact your local VA medical center to learn about their hearing aid program.
Will my hearing aid cost less if I wait for a sale or buy online?
Hearing aid prices are fairly consistent across providers because most devices are sold through licensed audiologists who set their own pricing. Buying online without an audiologist's fitting and adjustment is not recommended — a hearing aid that is not programmed to your specific hearing loss will not help you and may cause discomfort. Work with an audiologist and ask about payment plans or discounts rather than trying to find a cheaper device elsewhere.