Medicare Part B does not pay for hearing aids, but Part B does cover the exam that diagnoses hearing loss

Original Medicare — Part A and Part B — will not pay for a hearing aid itself or the fitting. Part B covers a diagnostic hearing exam if your doctor orders it to investigate a medical problem, but the moment the focus shifts to a hearing aid, Medicare stops paying. You pay the full cost of the device and any fitting appointments out of your own pocket.

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies widely by plan and by year. A few cover the full cost of one or two aids per year; others cover a partial amount; many cover nothing. You have to check your specific plan's details, because the coverage is not standard across Medicare Advantage.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid may cover hearing aids in your state — but Medicaid rules differ by state, and some states cover them while others do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings under any circumstance.
  • Medicare Part B will pay for a diagnostic hearing test if your doctor orders it for medical reasons, but not for a hearing aid evaluation.
  • Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but you must contact your plan directly to learn what your specific plan covers.
  • If you may have access to for both Medicare and Medicaid, check with your state Medicaid program, because some states cover hearing aids and others do not.
  • Veterans with service-connected hearing loss can receive hearing aids through the VA, which is separate from Medicare.

How to find out what your Medicare Advantage plan covers

Call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card. Tell them you want to know whether your plan covers hearing aids, and if so, how much, how many per year, and whether you need a referral or prior approval before you buy one.

Write down the answers, including the name of the person you spoke to and the date. Plans change their coverage year to year, and customer service representatives sometimes give different answers, so a written record protects you if there is a dispute later.

Ask specifically whether the plan covers the hearing aid device itself, the fitting appointment, the follow-up visits, and any adjustments or repairs in the first year. Some plans cover the device but not the fitting; others cover both but cap the dollar amount. You need to know all of this before you walk into an audiologist's office.

What to do if Original Medicare is all you have

If you are on Original Medicare and have no other coverage, you will pay for hearing aids out of pocket. The cost of a single hearing aid ranges widely depending on the technology and the provider, but most people spend between $1,000 and $6,000 per aid, and you typically need two.

Some audiologists and hearing aid retailers offer payment plans or discounts for cash payment. Ask about both before you commit. Some also offer a trial period — usually 30 days — during which you can return the aid if it does not work for you, so clarify the return policy in writing.

If cost is a barrier, look into programs run by hearing aid manufacturers, local nonprofits, or your state's vocational rehabilitation agency. These programs sometimes provide aids at reduced cost or for free, though may be able to access rules vary. Your primary care doctor or a local Area Agency on Aging can point you toward these programs in your area.

Medicaid coverage for hearing aids by state

Medicaid is run by each state, so coverage for hearing aids is not the same everywhere. Some states cover hearing aids for adults of any age; others cover them only for children; still others do not cover them at all. A few states cover them only if the hearing loss is severe enough to meet a specific threshold.

To find out whether your state's Medicaid program covers hearing aids, contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can find the phone number by searching "[your state] Medicaid" or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for a referral to your state program.

If you are dual may be able to access — meaning you have both Medicare and Medicaid — Medicaid is usually the payer for hearing aids, not Medicare. This is called the "coordination of benefits" rule. So if your state Medicaid covers hearing aids, you may be able to get them through Medicaid even though Medicare does not cover them.

VA coverage if you are a veteran

If you are a veteran and your hearing loss is service-connected, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will provide hearing aids at no cost. Service-connected means the VA has determined that your hearing loss is related to your military service.

To find out whether your hearing loss qualifies, contact your local VA Medical Center or call the VA at 1-800-827-1000. You can also explore for service connection through the VA website if you have not already done so. The VA process is separate from Medicare, so even if Medicare does not cover hearing aids, the VA may.

How to read your Medicare Advantage plan documents

Your plan sends you a document called the "Summary of Benefits and Coverage" or "Evidence of Coverage" each year. This document lists what the plan covers and what you pay. Hearing aid coverage, if it exists, will be listed under "Durable Medical Equipment" or "Hearing Services" or sometimes under "Preventive Care."

The document will say whether you need prior approval (also called "prior authorization") before you buy a hearing aid. Prior approval means the plan reviews your case before you spend money, and you need to get written approval from the plan before the audiologist fits you. If you skip this step and buy the aid without approval, the plan may refuse to pay.

If you cannot find the information in the document or it is unclear, call the plan's customer service line. Do not assume the plan covers hearing aids just because it covers other medical equipment — hearing aids are often excluded even when other devices are covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries or repairs?

Original Medicare does not cover batteries or repairs. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids, that plan may cover batteries and repairs, but you need to check your specific plan's coverage. Call the number on your card and ask whether batteries and repairs are included in your hearing aid benefit.

Can I use my Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefit at any audiologist?

Not always. Some Medicare Advantage plans have a network of approved providers, and you must use a provider in that network to get the benefit. Others allow you to go to any provider. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find out whether there are network restrictions.

What if I turn 65 and lose my employer hearing aid coverage?

When you turn 65 and move to Medicare, your employer coverage ends. If your employer plan covered hearing aids, Medicare Original does not. However, if you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, some do cover hearing aids. You can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) if you want hearing aid coverage.

Do I need a doctor's referral to get a hearing aid?

Medicare does not require a referral, but your Medicare Advantage plan might. Some plans require you to see your primary care doctor first, who then refers you to an audiologist. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find out what your plan requires before you schedule an appointment.

Can I get a hearing aid through the VA and Medicare at the same time?

Yes. If you are a veteran with service-connected hearing loss, the VA will provide hearing aids. If you also have Medicare Advantage coverage for hearing aids, you can use either benefit. However, you cannot be paid twice for the same aid — you choose which program to use.