Medicare's coverage for eyeglasses and hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for hearing aids at all. It also does not cover eyeglasses or contact lenses for most people. However, Medicare Part B does cover one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage for both hearing aids and vision care. The specifics depend on which type of Medicare you have and which plan you chose.
This matters because hearing aids and eyeglasses are expensive — hearing aids typically cost $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, and eyeglasses can run $200 to $1,000 depending on your prescription and frames. Understanding what your specific coverage includes can help you plan for these costs or find other resources to help pay for them.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids under any circumstances, but some Medicare Advantage plans do offer hearing aid coverage with copays or coverage limits.
- Medicare Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses only after cataract surgery, with a copay of about 20 percent of the approved amount.
- Medicare Advantage plans vary widely — some cover routine eye exams and hearing aids, while others cover neither, so you need to check your specific plan's details.
- If your plan does not cover hearing aids or eyeglasses, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs, state programs, and nonprofit organizations may offer help depending on your income and situation.
What Original Medicare covers for vision and hearing
Original Medicare covers eye exams only if your doctor thinks you have a disease of the eye — such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy — and refers you to an ophthalmologist. Routine eye exams for glasses or contacts are not covered. After cataract surgery, Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of the approved cost for one pair of eyeglasses (frames and lenses) or contact lenses, and you pay the remaining 20 percent.
For hearing aids, Original Medicare covers nothing. There is no copay structure, no limit, no exception — the program straightforward does not pay for hearing aids or hearing aid fittings. This has been true for decades, even though hearing loss affects roughly one in three people over age 65. If you have Original Medicare and need a hearing aid, you pay the full cost out of pocket.
Medicare Advantage plans and their vision and hearing benefits
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are run by private insurance companies and must cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits. Many Advantage plans do include hearing aid coverage and routine vision care, though the details vary significantly from plan to plan and from year to year.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses every year or every two years, often with a copay of $0 to $50 per exam. Hearing aid coverage, when offered, typically includes a copay per hearing aid ($0 to $500 or more) and may limit you to one or two hearing aids per year or per benefit period. A few plans cover the full cost of hearing aids; most cover a set dollar amount (such as $500 or $1,000 per hearing aid) and you pay anything above that.
The only way to know what your specific Advantage plan covers is to check your plan documents or call the plan directly. Coverage changes every year during open enrollment, so what was covered last year may not be this year, and vice versa.
How to find out what your plan covers
If you have Original Medicare, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask whether you have any supplemental coverage (Medigap) that might include vision or hearing benefits. Most Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids or eyeglasses, but some cover routine eye exams or partial vision costs — it depends on which Medigap plan (A through N) you chose.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan documents should list hearing aid and vision coverage under "Supplemental Benefits" or "Additional Benefits." You can also log into your plan's website, call the member services number on your insurance card, or request a printed summary of benefits. When you call, ask specifically: "Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, how much?" and "Does my plan cover eyeglasses and routine eye exams?" Write down the answers and ask for the information in writing if possible.
During open enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year), you can review other Medicare Advantage plans in your area to compare their hearing and vision benefits. If hearing aids or eyeglasses are important to you, this is the time to switch to a plan that covers them better.
Other sources of help if Medicare does not cover hearing aids or eyeglasses
If your Medicare plan does not cover hearing aids, several other programs may help. Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states for people who meet income limits, though the amount covered and the process vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask whether you may have access to and what hearing aids are covered.
If you are a veteran, the Veterans Affairs (VA) system provides hearing aids at no cost to may be able to access veterans, regardless of whether they have Medicare. You can contact your local VA medical center or call 1-800-827-1000 to learn about hearing aid services.
Several nonprofit organizations offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of programs by state. Lions Clubs International has local chapters that sometimes help pay for hearing aids or eyeglasses for people with limited income. Some audiologists and optometrists also offer payment plans or discounts for uninsured patients.
For eyeglasses, Medicaid covers them in many states for people who meet income limits. Prevent Blindness and local health departments sometimes offer free or low-cost eye exams and glasses. If you need glasses after cataract surgery and your Medicare plan does not cover them, ask your eye doctor whether they offer a discount or payment plan.
What to ask your doctor or insurance company
Before you buy hearing aids or eyeglasses, contact your Medicare plan and ask these specific questions: Does my plan cover hearing aids, and if so, how much per hearing aid and how often? Does my plan cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses, and if so, how often and with what copay? If my plan does not cover these items, does it cover any part of the cost? Are there preferred providers I should use to get the best coverage?
If you are considering cataract surgery, ask your eye doctor whether Medicare will cover eyeglasses after the surgery and what the process is. If you are shopping for a new Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, ask the plan directly about hearing and vision coverage before you enroll.
When to seek help from a social worker or patient advocate
If you cannot afford hearing aids or eyeglasses and your Medicare plan does not cover them, ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a social worker or patient advocate. Many hospitals and community health centers have social workers who know about local programs and can help you find resources. Your state's Area Agency on Aging (find yours at eldercare.acl.gov) can also connect you to programs in your area.
If you believe your Medicare plan should cover hearing aids or eyeglasses and it is denying coverage, you have the right to file an appeal. Your plan's member services line can explain the appeal process, or you can contact your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) for free help with the appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries?
No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aid batteries. If your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, it may or may not cover batteries — check your plan documents or call member services. Some audiologists include batteries in the price of the hearing aid or offer them at a discount to patients who bought their aids there.
Can I use my Medicare to pay for an eye exam at my regular optometrist?
Only if your doctor suspects you have an eye disease and refers you to an ophthalmologist. Routine eye exams for glasses or contacts are not covered by Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether it covers routine exams — many do, but you may need to use an in-network provider.
What if I need new eyeglasses but did not have cataract surgery?
Original Medicare will not pay for them. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether it covers routine vision care and eyeglasses. If not, you can look into Medicaid (if you meet income limits), nonprofit vision programs, or ask your optometrist about payment plans or discounts.
Do I have to use a specific hearing aid company if my Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids?
Most Medicare Advantage plans that cover hearing aids have a list of preferred providers or approved hearing aid brands. Using an in-network provider usually means a lower copay. Call your plan to ask which hearing aid providers are in-network before you schedule an appointment.
Can I switch Medicare plans if my current plan does not cover hearing aids?
Yes, during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year) you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or switch from Advantage back to Original Medicare. If hearing aids are important to you, use this time to compare plans and choose one with better hearing aid coverage.