Does Medicare cover hearing aids? Here's what to know about your options
Hearing loss affects one in three people ages 65 to 74, according to the National Institutes of Health. And while hearing aids can greatly improve quality of life, they're often expensive. If you're on Medicare, you might wonder if your plan will help pay for them.
The short answer is: Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans do. Let's break down what this means for you as you explore hearing aid options — including alternatives to pay for hearing devices that can improve your quality of life.
Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, routine hearing tests or exams for hearing aid fittings. However, Medicare Part B will cover diagnostic hearing and balance tests if your doctor orders them to check for a medical problem.
If you have Medicare, here's what you could end up paying for hearing aids:
Full cost. Prescription hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000. Over-the-counter hearing aids are available as of late 2022 and cost between $250 and $3,000 or more. These do not require a prescription.
Replacement costs. Many people need to replace their hearing aids every five to seven years, which will further add to your costs.
Related services. You’ll pay out-of-pocket for hearing aid fittings, adjustments, cleanings and follow-up exams, as Medicare doesn’t cover these either. However, these services may be included in the cost of some hearing aid purchases.
Hearing exams. You'll pay 100% of the cost of routine hearing exams and 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for diagnostic exams after meeting your Part B deductible. In 2024, this deductible is $240. In addition, you may have a copayment if your exam is performed in a hospital outpatient setting.
Dig deeper: 7 best OTC hearing aids for seniors, according to audiologist and medical professionals
Does Medicare Advantage (Part C) pay for hearing aids?
Yes, 98% of Medicare Advantage plans provide hearing aid benefits, according to a 2024 Kaiser Family Foundation report. These plans are available through private insurers, so what’s covered (and how much) varies by plan.
You may have per-device dollar limits for hearing aid purchases, as well as copayments or coinsurance for services. Some plans may require you to use in-network providers or specific hearing aid brands.
For example, UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest providers of Medicare Advantage plans. As of writing, some of its Dual Complete plans include:
A $1,000 allowance each year for hearing aids purchased through UnitedHealthcare Hearing (limited to two devices per year)
A $0 copay for diagnostic hearing tests
One routine hearing exam per year
Kaiser Permanente is another Medicare Advantage provider. As of writing, it has a Senior Advantage Plus plan that includes:
A $500 per-ear allowance for hearing aids every three years (up to $1,000 for both ears)
A $15 or $25 copay fee for hearing service visits
One routine hearing exam per year
Dig deeper: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Which should you choose for health coverage?
???? What is the Medicaid Hearing Coverage Act?
The Medicaid Hearing Coverage Act of 2023 is a bill that’s currently making its way through Congress in an effort to remove the Medicare exclusion for covering hearing aids and related exams. The bipartisan bill was introduced in the House on January 10, 2023. If passed, it would allow Medicare to cover hearing aids and related exams for the 44% of Medicare beneficiaries who report hearing loss.
The costs of hearing aids
Prescription hearing aids can cost $2,000 to $8,000, while over-the-counter options from Phonak, Zepp Clarity, Eargo and others range from $250 to $3,000 or more.
Only 16% of Americans ages 20 to 64 who need hearing aids use them, according to a National Health Interview Study. This number may decrease as over-the-counter options become more popular, but cost is still a barrier.
The average Medicare beneficiary with hearing benefits spent $914 for hearing care in 2018, the latest data available. Without coverage, your costs could be much higher.
Dig deeper: Best hearing aids for seniors in 2024, according to experts and testers
How to confirm your Medicare coverage
Follow these steps to confirm whether your Medicare plan pays for hearing aids or hearing-related services:
Check your Medicare plan documents. Review your annual Evidence of Coverage document and note which hearing services are included. This document will also tell you your allowance limits for hearing aids and any copayment amounts for services.
Contact your Medicare plan directly. Call your Medicare Advantage plan's customer service number to ask about specific hearing aid coverage, including any network restrictions or preferred providers.
Consult with your healthcare provider. Check with a hearing aid provider or audiologist who accepts Medicare. They can verify your coverage and explain how it applies to different hearing aid options.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). You can call the Medicare helpline to understand what hearing-related services might be included with your plan.
Visit your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). The SHIP program gives you access to free, unbiased Medicare advice.
Remember to have your Medicare number and plan details ready before you call, and keep these four questions handy to ask about hearing aid coverage:
Are hearing aids covered under my current plan?
What is the annual or per-device coverage limit?
Are there preferred brands or providers I should use?
How often can I get new hearing aids under my plan?
Other ways to pay for hearing aids
If you don’t have a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing aid coverage, you can look into other ways to pay for devices. Use caution if you borrow money, and make sure you can afford any additional monthly payment that comes with it.
Check your FSA or HSA. You can use health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts for hearing aids and related expenses.
Ask about payment plans. Some providers offer in-house financing or installment plans to spread out the cost.
Join a discount club. AARP members can save up to 20% on hearing aids through AARP Hearing Solutions.
Explore nonprofit organizations. The Hearing Aid Project lists national and state resources that will help pay for hearing aids. Also try reaching out to your Area Agency on Aging for local resources available.
Apply for CareCredit. Over 11,000 audiology practices accept the Synchrony Bank CareCredit Credit Card, a healthcare and wellness credit card that offers promotional financing options for customers with good credit.
Consider a personal loan. You can use an unsecured loan from a bank or online lender for medical expenses like hearing aids.
FAQ: Medicare, medical coverage and your hearing
Learn more about how Medicare works when it comes to paying for hearing aids.
What are the best hearing aids available for seniors?
The ideal hearing aid for you will depend on how significant your hearing loss is, your lifestyle and your budget. Start with AOL’s editorial picks for the best hearing aids according to experts and testers, including our top selections for mild to moderate hearing loss, customer support, over-the-ear devices, customization, best overall and more.
Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?
If you have severe hearing loss, cochlear implants may help when hearing aids don’t. Cochlear implants are considered prosthetic devices, which may be covered by Medicare Part B if you meet this criteria:
You have moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears, and hearing aids aren’t helping.
You’re able to use sound cues and are willing to go through long-term rehabilitation.
You have healthy middle ears, suitable inner ears for implants and no nerve damage.
You’re healthy enough for surgery.
You plan to use an FDA-approved cochlear implant device.
The typical cost is 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Can you switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage?
Yes, you can switch during the annual enrollment period, which is usually October 15 to December 7. You can also join an Medicare Advantage plan or switch between MA plans during special enrollment if you have a qualifying circumstance such as relocation or loss of coverage. Review Medicare Advantage plans carefully to see what hearing aid coverage is included, and understand the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage before you switch from Original Medicare to a private plan.
Does Costco accept Medicare for hearing aids?
No, Costco does not accept Medicare or any insurance for hearing aids. However, Costco sells over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids and has centers where you can schedule hearing tests. These services are available to Costco members, but they’re not covered by Medicare.
Does Medigap cover hearing aids?
Medigap generally does not pay for hearing aids or exams for fitted hearing aids. Medigap is a supplemental insurance policy you can purchase through private insurers to help cover some of your out-of-pocket costs with Original Medicare.
Sources
Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis), National Institutes on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Accessed August 21, 2024.
Hearing & balance exams, Medicare.gov. Accessed August 21, 2024.
Your Medicare Benefits [PDF], Medicare.gov. Accessed August 21, 2024.
2024 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Accessed August 21, 2024.
Medicare Advantage 2024 Spotlight: First Look, KFF. Accessed August 21, 2024.
About the writer
Cassidy Horton is a finance writer who specializes in banking, insurance, lending and paying down debt. Her expertise has been featured in NerdWallet, Forbes Advisor, MarketWatch, CNN Underscored, USA Today, Money, The Balance and Consumer Affairs, among other top financial publications. Cassidy first became interested in personal finance after paying off $18,000 in debt in 10 months of graduation with an MBA. Today, she's committed to empowering people to stand up and take charge of their financial futures.
Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner