Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them but may cover hearing exams if ordered to evaluate medical conditions.
- Medicare Advantage plans often provide additional hearing coverage, but benefits vary by plan, carrier, and location.
- Without coverage, hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, with options ranging from behind-the-ear to extended wear devices depending on type and severity of hearing loss.
- Other options for coverage include Veterans Affairs benefits, Medicaid (state-dependent), discount programs like TruHearing, or community health programs.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids? Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover hearing aids, hearing exams, or exams for fitting them. However, Original Medicare may cover hearing exams if ordered by your doctor to evaluate hearing loss or related medical conditions.
Medicare Advantage plans offered by private insurance companies must provide the same benefits as Original Medicare at minimum, and many offer additional coverage for hearing. Read on for more information about accessing care for your hearing health.
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The Right Hearing Aid Makes a Big Difference
Hearing loss is a common problem for Medicare beneficiaries. Around 30% of adults aged 80-84 years and 37% of adults aged 85 and older use hearing aids. Hearing aids come in different styles to suit different types of hearing loss and aesthetic preferences. Common types of hearing aids include:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE): Best for mild hearing loss.
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) or Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE): Similar to BTE but smaller. Best for mild hearing loss.
- In-the-Ear (ITE): Custom-made to fit entirely in the outer portion of the ear. It is suitable for mild to severe hearing loss but may be more expensive than BTE and RITE options.
- In-the-Canal (ITC): Custom-made and fit partially in the ear canal. These are less visible than ITE hearing aids.
- Extended Wear: Placed deep in the ear canal by a professional and worn continuously for months. It provides the best sound but is also the most expensive.
How Medicare Covers Hearing
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Medicare does cover some hearing exams and balance tests. Beneficiaries can also see an audiologist once a year for non-acute hearing issues.
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare. Private insurance companies offer these plans and must provide coverage that is at least as comprehensive as Original Medicare. Often, Medicare Advantage plans provide additional benefits, and most include at least some hearing coverage. However, Medicare Advantage benefits differ by plan, carrier, and location.
Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids?
While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) typically doesn’t pay for anything related to hearing, Medicare Part B may pay for a hearing exam if a doctor recommends it.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?
Hearing aids often cost thousands, so the expenses add up quickly if you don’t have hearing coverage. Seniors who have employer-sponsored health insurance may be able to take advantage of a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account (for those on a high deductible health plan) to manage the costs.
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Other Options For Getting Hearing Coverage
While Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, there are other options for getting hearing coverage.
- Discount hearing aid programs: Some companies, like TruHearing, partner with Medicare Advantage plans to offer affordable hearing aids.
- Veterans: The VA often provides hearing aids at little to no cost to Veterans.
- Medicaid: Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies by state. If hearing aids are covered, Medicaid often pays the full cost, although there may be some restrictions and limitations
- Community health programs: Organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) or local programs may help reduce costs.
Though Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, it does cover some hearing exams and balance tests. Beneficiaries can also see an audiologist once per year for non-acute hearing issues or for follow up after having received a surgically implanted hearing device.
Putting It All Together
Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover hearing aids but do cover other hearing-related benefits, such as balance tests. Explore other options for hearing aid coverage, such as VA benefits if you are a veteran or local community health programs. A solution beyond Medicare, the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, set the stage for affordable over-the-counter hearing aids to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Under current FDA rules, this category of devices can be sold directly to consumers either at physical stores or online without a medical exam or a fitting by an audiologist.
Sources
- Hearing & balance exams. Medicare.gov.
- Medicaid – Hearing Loss Association of America. hearingloss.org.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids. NIH.gov.