Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids?
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Most Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C plans) have some coverage for hearing aids.
Even with these plans, though, hearing aids cost an average of $1,820 per ear. If you have no insurance coverage, the average cost of each hearing aid is more than $2,300. Hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medigap plans.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Medicare Parts A and B don't cover hearing aids, but most Medicare Advantage plans have good coverage for hearing aids and hearing care.
Hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap plans, so you'll pay the full cost for your devices with these options.
Hearing aid coverage through Medicare varies depending on the type of plan you have, but it's much easier to get coverage for hearing exams. Medicare Part B, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing exams.
Type of Medicare | Hearing aids | Hearing exams |
|---|---|---|
| Part A (hospital) | ||
| Part B (medical) | ||
| Part C (Medicare Advantage) | ||
| Part D (prescription drugs) | ||
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) |
However, Medicare does cover hearing aids in a few cases. Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHAs) and cochlear implants are types of hearing aids covered by Medicare. These are considered prosthetic devices rather than hearing aids, so Medicare coverage is different. If you meet the procedure guidelines, the devices and outpatient care are covered through Medicare Part B, Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans.
How can you get Medicare hearing aid coverage?
Buying a Medicare Advantage policy with hearing benefits is a good way to get hearing aid coverage.
You could also buy a separate hearing policy. Many people purchase these add-on policies through their Medigap company, but several insurance companies offer coverage. Hearing insurance plans are separate from Medicare and will add extra costs. Benefits can also vary widely, so make sure to understand your needs as you shop.
For example, Humana offers combined dental, vision and hearing plans called Humana Extend. There are three coverage options, and prices range from around $36 to $83 per month. If you choose advanced-level hearing aids with the plan, you pay $699 per ear before your coverage starts. Premium-level hearing aids have a copay of $999 per ear, although you will pay $50 more for hearing aids with rechargeable batteries.
Does Medicare Advantage cover hearing aids?
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Unlike Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and exams.
- 97% of Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to hearing coverage
- Of those enrollees, 95% have a plan that has coverage for both hearing aids and exams
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C plans, are more like traditional insurance. They combine multiple types of coverage, including medical, hospital and usually prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans often include add-on benefits for hearing, dental and vision.
On average, Medicare Advantage enrollees pay about 79% of the cost of a hearing aid. That means it would cost you about $1,820 for a $2,300 hearing aid.
Hearing benefits vary between Medicare Advantage plans because each company gets to decide what perks it offers. Partial coverage could still leave you with high out-of-pocket costs, so it's important to compare Medicare Advantage plans to find the right option for you.
Different Medicare Advantage plans will also have different rules about hearing exams. For example, some plans require that you get a routine hearing exam preapproved. Check your policy for details on benefits and restrictions.
Best Medicare Advantage plans for hearing aids
- Typical hearing aid cost: $399 to $999
- Partnered with TruHearing for hearing care and hearing aids
- Typical hearing aid cost: $499 to $999
- Partnered with TruHearing for hearing care and hearing aids
- Typical hearing aid cost: $175 to $1,225
- Options for virtual hearing care and devices shipped to your home
How much do hearing aids cost?
Hearing aids cost an average of $2,300 each, or $4,600 per pair.
Hearing aid brands range in price. For example, Eargo tends to be a little less expensive, and Phonak hearing aids can be priced higher. Despite the high cost of hearing aids, there are several ways to save money.
Hearing aid discount programs
Membership in a discount program like AARP or TruHearing can help you get hearing aids at a 20% to 60% discount. Before signing up, check that the program discounts your type of hearing aid. You may also want to calculate the benefits against how much you’ll pay for the program.
Over-the-counter hearing aids
Financial assistance programs
Veterans’ benefits
Tax-advantaged savings account
Discounted devices
Does Medicare cover hearing aids purchased over the counter?
Your Medicare plan typically won't cover over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.
Over-the-counter hearing aids cost an average of $800 each or $1,600 per pair. That's less than half the price of a standard hearing aid.
Over-the-counter hearing aids are a new category of products being sold in retail stores and online. They are for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss, and you don't need a prescription or hearing exam to buy one.
However, because exams are covered by Medicare, it can be helpful to have a hearing assessment before deciding which type of hearing aid is best for your health and budget.
Hearing aid coverage with Medicaid
If you’re one of the 12.2 million people who are dual-enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, you may have hearing aid coverage through Medicaid. Some level of hearing aid coverage for adults is offered through Medicaid in 29 states, although the specific qualifications vary.
- Alaska
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Vermont
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Why doesn’t Original Medicare pay for hearing aids?
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Medicare was established in 1965, and hearing aid technology wasn't widespread. The first digital wearable hearing aid wasn't available until the late 1980s. When Medicare was created, hearing aids were specifically excluded from benefits in Section 1862 of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. Today, one-third of adults over age 65 have hearing loss, and the demand for hearing aids is rising.
Medicare legislation hasn't caught up to the needs of those with hearing loss, but that may soon change. The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act was first introduced in the House of Representatives in 2021 and was reintroduced in 2023. The bill would remove the exclusion for hearing aids in the Medicare program. If the bill is passed, Medicare will cover hearing aids, but specific coverage hasn't yet been decided on.
How much will a hearing test cost with Medicare Part B or Medigap?
You'll pay an average of $7 for a basic hearing exam if you have Medicare Part B, and the test could be free if you have a Medigap plan, depending on which plan you buy.
Some hearing exam services are covered by Original Medicare if they're needed to develop a treatment plan. If you have Medicare Part B, you’ll pay 20% of the approved Medicare cost for each service, including diagnostic hearing and balance exams.
Hearing exam service | Procedure cost* | Your portion of the bill with Medicare Part B (20%) |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic hearing loss test | $33 | $7 |
| Hearing balance test | $47 | $9 |
| Assessment of hearing using different tone pitches | $73 | $15 |
| Testing of nerve from ear to brain (cochlear) | $112 | $22 |
*Medicare-approved average amount
If you have a Medicare Supplement plan alongside Medicare Part B, you’ll pay less for appointments. The amount you pay for an exam depends on which Medigap plan you have.
For example, Medigap Plan F and Plan G provide free hearing exams if the procedure qualifies under Medicare and if you’ve already met your Part B deductible. The plans cover 100% of the medical coinsurance, which means you won't pay anything.
On the other hand, Medigap Plan K covers half of the coinsurance cost. This will reduce your cost for a hearing assessment from $15 down to about $8.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids and exams?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids. Most Medicare Advantage plans have hearing coverage and are the best option for Medicare hearing aid coverage. Hearing exams are covered by Medicare Part B, most Medicare Advantage plans and some Medicare Supplement plans.
Does Medicare pay for hearing aids if I have tinnitus?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids for hearing loss or tinnitus, but a Medicare Advantage plan might give you coverage depending on the benefits, and a Medicare Supplement plan could lower your appointment costs.
How much do hearing aids cost with Medicare?
On average, a Medicare Advantage plan will only reduce hearing aid costs by 21%, and enrollees pay an average of $1,820 per hearing aid. Actual costs will vary based on your plan's coverage options and the cost of the hearing aids. Those enrolled in Original Medicare or Medigap will pay full price for a hearing aid, averaging around $2,300 each.
Does Medicare Supplement pay for hearing aids?
What's the best Medicare plan for hearing aid coverage?
Humana Medicare Advantage plans are a good option because they usually offer hearing aids for $399 to $999 each through a partnership with TruHearing. Even if you don't have Humana, a Medicare Advantage plan is the best way to get comprehensive hearing coverage.
Sources
- Medicare.gov
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
- Humana
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- UnitedHealthcare
- TruHearing
- The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
- Hearing Industries Association
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- National Council on Aging
- Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
- Hearing Health Foundation
- Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Congress.gov
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
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