Medicare Coverage | Hearing aids

Are Hearing Aids covered under Medicare?

Part A and Part B Medicare do not cover hearing aids or exams. In most cases, anyone with only Part A or B Plan will have to pay the full price for the hearing aid coverage they want.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers:

Diagnostic hearing and balance exams. They're covered only when your doctor or other health care provider orders them to see if you need medical treatment.

Medicare doesn't cover:

• Hearing exams
• Hearing aids
• Exams for fitting hearing aids

Paying for hearing tests

If you qualify for diagnostic hearing tests through Original Medicare, you will owe for the Part B deductible and 20% of the test. If you have your exam in a hospital, you may also be responsible for a copayment.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and hearing aids

One way to get hearing aids covered is with a Part C plan. Some Medicare Part C plans cover hearing aids and exams. In order to get it covered, be sure to follow the plan's instructions. Some plans will refer you to a specialist if your plan doesn't cover it.

Choosing a hearing aid

The cost of hearing aids can be up to thousands of dollars sometimes. So, if you're looking to pay less, sometimes looking online for hearing aids is a better way to spend less. Compare prices and check reviews for the brand that your doctor has recommended.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicaid program that covers most if not all of your hearing aids, then they may decide where you can purchase your hearing aid. Be sure to follow exactly what they want and where to purchase your hearing aid. If you do not, you may not get your hearing aid cost covered.

To find out what is covered in your state with hearing aids and hearing benefits, you can visit https://www.hearingloss.org.