Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?What is the difference in coverage among different Medicare plans?What other options are available to cover the cost of hearing aids?
Learn more about some of the options available to help you pay for hearing aids below. “A diagnostic hearing evaluation is covered by most insurance companies, although a referral from a physician may be required,” says Amy Myers, AuD, an assistant professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders at UNC Greensboro and an audiologist in the department’s speech and hearing center in Greensboro, North Carolina. Here’s more information about Medicare Parts A and B — what they do cover, and what they don’t.
Medicare Part A and Part B Coverage
You may be eligible for coverage under Medicare Parts A and B and Original Medicare if you are 65 or older or receive Social Security disability payments. Medicare Part A covers:
Inpatient hospital careHome health servicesHospice careNursing home care (not covered when custodial care is the only care you need)Skilled nursing facility care
Medicare Part B covers:
Medically necessary servicesPreventive services like the flu or diabetes screeningsMental health (inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization)Clinical researchLimited outpatient prescription drugsDurable medical equipment (DME), such as blood sugar test strips and wheelchairsAmbulance services
Medicare Parts A and B do not cover:
Long-term careDenturesAcupunctureDental careEye examsHearing aidsRoutine foot careCosmetic surgery
RELATED: How Medicare Disability Eligibility Affects Your Coverage Options
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare but includes the same benefits of Medicare Parts A and B, excluding the clinical trials, hospice services, and other temporary benefits determined by legislation or national coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for:
Fitness programsSome vision, hearing, and dental servicesTransportation to doctor visitsOver-the-counter (OTC) drugsServices that promote health and wellness
Hearing aids may be covered, but it depends on your specific Medicare Advantage plan. To find out if your plan covers hearing aids, contact your policy via the phone number on your membership card or in your plan materials. You can also chat with a Medicare representative on Medicare.gov, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. In most situations with Medicare Advantage, you must work with an in-network doctor. Some Medicare Advantage plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.You can choose Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage and have the option to alternate each year. You can also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) if you want prescription drug coverage.
How to Find Medicare Advantage Coverage for Hearing Aids
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
Medigap is supplemental insurance sold by private companies that helps fill in “gaps” from Medicare Parts A and B. A Medigap policy can help someone cover the remaining costs, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans do not cover costs associated with hearing aids. Our reviews team collected survey responses from more than 600 hearing aid users, and more than 17 percent of respondents reported that price is the most important factor in a hearing aid. RELATED: What Is Tinnitus? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Private health insurance, through an employer or purchased individually, may cover things like hearing tests, evaluations, or even the costs of hearing aids. Check your individual plan for coverage details.Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) can offset your hearing aid costs by using pre-tax flexible spending money offered by some employers.Health savings accounts (HSAs) let you use contributions to help pay for medical expenses, including hearing aids, and other items not covered by insurance.Veterans Administration (VA) benefits can help if you are a U.S. military veteran. Most military veterans who qualify for general VA Healthcare are likely eligible for free premium hearing aids. This eligibility is an “entitlement service” for all veterans who qualify for general VA Healthcare. To determine your eligibility, visit va.gov or your local VA clinic or medical center.Certain nonprofit organizations are dedicated to helping those who need hearing aids gain access to them. Check for state and national resources listed on the National Hearing Aid Projectwebsite or through additional programs listed on the Hearing Loss Association of America website to find programs near you.
