Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids, but it does cover the exam to test your hearing

Medicare Part B will pay for a hearing test (called an audiological exam) if your doctor refers you and says it is medically necessary. It will not pay for the hearing aids themselves, the fitting, or the follow-up adjustments. This is true whether you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, though some Advantage plans add hearing coverage as an extra benefit.

The hearing test itself is covered under Part B's rules for diagnostic services. Your doctor — usually your primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist — has to order it and document why. Once you have the test results, you are on your own to pay for any devices or treatment that follows.

This gap in coverage has not changed for decades, even though hearing loss affects roughly one in three people over age 65. Understanding what Part B does and does not cover, and what your other options are, can help you plan and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers the audiological exam (hearing test) if your doctor refers you, but does not cover the hearing aids or fitting costs.
  • Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing coverage as an optional add-on, so you should check your plan's benefits document or call the plan directly.
  • Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, though the rules and device limits vary by state.
  • Veterans with service-connected hearing loss can receive hearing aids through the VA at no cost.
  • Nonprofit organizations and hearing aid manufacturers offer discounts and refurbished devices for people who cannot afford new ones.

What the hearing test covers and what you pay

When your doctor orders an audiological exam, Medicare Part B typically covers 80 percent of the cost after you meet your annual deductible. You pay the remaining 20 percent as coinsurance. The exact amount you owe depends on what the audiologist charges and whether they accept Medicare assignment (meaning they agree to accept Medicare's approved amount as full payment).

The exam itself usually includes tests of how well you hear different pitches and volumes, and how well you understand speech. It takes 30 to 60 minutes. If the audiologist is in your network and accepts Medicare, you should receive a bill for your share only. If they do not accept assignment, you may owe more.

The test result is a written report that shows your hearing thresholds and whether you have hearing loss. This report is what you take to a hearing aid provider if you decide to pursue devices. The test does not include the cost of any devices or the fitting appointment.

Medicare Advantage plans and hearing coverage

Some Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) include hearing coverage as a supplemental benefit. This might mean the plan covers a portion of hearing aid costs, a set dollar amount per year, or routine hearing exams beyond what Part B covers. The coverage varies widely — one plan might cover $500 per hearing aid per year, while another covers nothing.

To find out whether your plan includes hearing benefits, check the plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which you should have received when you enrolled. You can also call the plan's customer service number on your insurance card and ask specifically about hearing aid coverage, the dollar limit, and whether you need a referral.

If you are thinking about switching plans during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7), hearing coverage can be one factor to weigh. Plans that offer hearing benefits often charge a higher monthly premium, so you will need to decide whether the benefit is worth the extra cost.

Medicaid coverage for hearing aids in your state

Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the rules are different in each one. Some states cover two hearing aids per ear per year. Others cover one per ear every two or three years. Some have no limit. A few states do not cover hearing aids at all through Medicaid.

To find out what your state covers, contact your state Medicaid office or visit its website. You can also call 211 (a free referral line) and ask for information about hearing aid coverage in your state. If you are on both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid is usually the payer for hearing aids because Medicare does not cover them.

Medicaid typically requires a referral from your doctor and a hearing test before approving a hearing aid. The process can take two to four weeks. Once approved, you can choose from providers on your state's Medicaid list, though the selection may be limited.

VA coverage if you are a veteran

If you served in the military and have a service-connected hearing loss rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs, you can receive hearing aids through the VA at no cost. The VA covers the exam, the devices, the fitting, and ongoing adjustments and repairs.

To start, contact your nearest VA medical center or call the VA's main line at 1-800-827-1000. You will need to provide your discharge papers (DD Form 214) and information about your service. The VA will schedule a hearing test and, if you are found to have service-connected hearing loss, will fit you with devices.

Even if your hearing loss is not service-connected, you may still be able to receive hearing aids through the VA if you are enrolled in the VA health system and meet other criteria. Ask the VA about your specific situation.

Discount programs and refurbished hearing aids

Several organizations and manufacturers offer discounted or refurbished hearing aids for people who cannot afford new ones at full price. The Hearing Aid Project, run by the Hearing Loss Association of America, connects people with local programs that provide devices at reduced cost or for free. Starkey Hearing Foundation and other manufacturers also run donation programs.

Refurbished hearing aids are devices that have been returned, professionally cleaned, tested, and repaired. They typically cost 30 to 50 percent less than new devices and come with a warranty. Costco, which does not require a membership to use its hearing aid center, also offers lower prices than many independent audiologists.

Some community health centers and nonprofit organizations offer sliding-scale fees based on income. To find programs in your area, search online for "hearing aid information near me" or contact your local Area Agency on Aging, which can point you toward resources.

What to do after your hearing test

Once you have your hearing test results, you have several paths forward. If you want to explore hearing aids, you can take your test results to any hearing aid provider — you do not have to use the audiologist who performed the test. Bring a copy of the results with you so the provider can see your specific hearing thresholds.

Before you buy, ask the provider about their return policy (usually 30 days), warranty, and what follow-up visits are included in the price. Hearing aids often need adjustments in the first few weeks as you get used to them. Some providers include unlimited adjustments during the trial period; others charge per visit.

If cost is a barrier, tell the provider about your situation. Many offer payment plans, trade-in discounts for old devices, or can direct you to local information programs. Do not assume you cannot afford hearing aids until you have asked about all the options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Medicare Part B will pay for the test that shows you need a hearing aid, but not for the device itself. Your doctor's recommendation does not change this coverage rule. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents to see whether it includes hearing aid coverage as an optional benefit.

Does Medigap cover hearing aids?

No. Medigap (supplemental insurance) covers some costs that Original Medicare does not, such as copayments and coinsurance, but it does not cover hearing aids because Medicare itself does not cover them. Medigap policies are standardized and do not include hearing benefits.

What if I cannot afford a hearing aid right now?

Start by checking whether you are on Medicaid or may be able to access for VA benefits, both of which cover hearing aids. If not, look into refurbished devices, Costco's hearing center, or local nonprofit programs. Many audiologists also offer payment plans. The Hearing Loss Association of America website has a directory of information programs by state.

How often does Medicare cover a hearing test?

Medicare Part B covers a hearing test when your doctor refers you for a medical reason. There is no set limit on how often you can have one covered, but your doctor has to document why it is medically necessary each time. Routine hearing checks without a medical reason are not covered.

If I get a hearing aid through Medicaid, will Medicare pay for anything related to it?

No. Once Medicaid pays for the hearing aid, Medicare does not cover any follow-up care, adjustments, repairs, or replacement batteries. Medicaid may cover some of these costs depending on your state's rules, so check with your state Medicaid office about what is included after the device is purchased.