Most insurance plans cover some hearing aid costs, but the amount varies widely by plan type and your specific policy
Whether your insurance pays for hearing aids depends on three things: what type of insurance you have, what your individual plan says, and whether you see an in-network provider. Medicare covers a portion of the exam and fitting but not the devices themselves. Private insurance, Medicaid, and VA coverage each work differently. The only way to know what your plan covers is to call your insurance company directly and ask about hearing aid benefits — not general hearing coverage, but specifically hearing aids.
Even when insurance does cover hearing aids, you typically pay a copay or coinsurance, and there is usually an annual or lifetime limit on what the plan will pay. Some plans cover one hearing aid per ear every three to five years. Others cover the full cost of one device per ear per year. A few cover nothing at all. Your out-of-pocket cost can range from zero to several thousand dollars depending on the device and your plan.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers the hearing exam and fitting but does not cover the hearing aids themselves, though some Medicare Advantage plans do cover devices.
- Private insurance plans vary widely — some cover 50 to 80 percent of the cost, others cover nothing, so you must call your specific plan to ask.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the amount and the process differ by state.
- The VA covers hearing aids for veterans with service-connected hearing loss at no cost.
- Even when insurance covers hearing aids, there is usually an annual limit, a copay, or a requirement to use an in-network provider.
Medicare and hearing aid coverage
Medicare Part B covers a hearing exam and the fitting appointment with an audiologist, but it does not cover the hearing aids themselves. You pay 20 percent of the exam and fitting cost after you meet your Part B deductible; Medicare pays 80 percent. The hearing aids are your responsibility.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids as an added benefit. The amount varies — some plans cover up to $1,000 or $2,000 per ear per year, others cover less. You need to check your specific plan's coverage document or call the plan directly. If you are thinking about switching plans during open enrollment, hearing aid coverage is worth comparing between plans.
If you do not have Medicare Advantage and want hearing aid coverage, you can buy a standalone hearing aid insurance supplement through some private insurers, though these are not common and come with their own costs and limits.
Private insurance plans
Private insurance (through an employer, the marketplace, or purchased directly) may cover hearing aids, but the details are entirely up to each plan. Some plans cover 50 to 80 percent of the cost after you meet a deductible. Others cover a fixed amount per device — for example, $500 per hearing aid. Still others cover nothing.
To find out what your plan covers, call the customer service number on your insurance card and ask: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, what is the copay, coinsurance, or fixed benefit amount? Is there an annual or lifetime limit? Do I need to use an in-network provider?" Write down the answers and ask for the policy details in writing if possible.
If your plan does cover hearing aids, it usually requires you to see an in-network audiologist or hearing aid dispenser. Seeing an out-of-network provider may mean you pay the full cost yourself. Some plans also require a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see an audiologist.
Medicaid coverage by state
Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the specifics — how many per year, what price limit, what type of device — differ from state to state. Some states cover two hearing aids per ear every three years. Others cover one per ear per year. A few states have no limit.
To find out what your state's Medicaid program covers, contact your state Medicaid office directly or visit your state's Medicaid website. You can also call 211 and ask for a referral to your local Medicaid office. If you are already on Medicaid, you can call the number on your Medicaid card.
Medicaid typically requires you to see a provider in the Medicaid network. Some states also require prior authorization — meaning your doctor or audiologist must get approval from Medicaid before you can get the hearing aids. This can add one to two weeks to the process.
VA coverage for veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids at no cost for veterans with service-connected hearing loss. You do not pay a copay or deductible. The VA also covers the exam, fitting, adjustments, repairs, and replacement batteries.
To use this benefit, you must be enrolled in VA health care and have a hearing loss rating from the VA. If you are not yet enrolled, you can explore through VA.gov or by calling 1-800-827-1000. If you are enrolled but have not had your hearing tested by the VA, ask your VA primary care doctor for a referral to audiology.
What to do before you buy hearing aids
Before you purchase hearing aids, contact your insurance company and ask what they cover. Have your policy number ready. Ask for the answer in writing if possible — email confirmation or a letter — so you have proof of what was promised.
If your insurance covers hearing aids, ask whether the audiologist or hearing aid dispenser you want to see is in-network. If they are out-of-network, ask what percentage you will pay out of pocket. If your insurance requires prior authorization, ask how long that takes and who needs to submit the request.
If your insurance does not cover hearing aids, ask whether you can buy a standalone hearing aid insurance plan or whether there are other programs in your area that help pay for devices. Some nonprofits, local health departments, and charitable organizations offer reduced-cost or free hearing aids to seniors with limited income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Medicare Part B covers the hearing exam and fitting but not the hearing aids themselves. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover devices — check your plan's coverage document or call the plan to ask.
What if my insurance does not cover hearing aids?
Some nonprofits and local health departments offer reduced-cost or free hearing aids. You can also ask your audiologist about payment plans or discounts for uninsured patients. Some manufacturers offer rebates or trade-in programs if you are replacing an older device.
Do I have to use an in-network provider?
Most insurance plans require you to use an in-network audiologist or hearing aid dispenser to get coverage. Using an out-of-network provider usually means you pay the full cost yourself, though some plans offer partial reimbursement if you submit a claim.
How often does insurance cover new hearing aids?
This varies by plan. Some cover one hearing aid per ear every three to five years. Others cover them annually. Check your policy or call your insurance company to find out the replacement schedule for your specific plan.
Can I appeal if my insurance denies coverage?
Yes. Ask your insurance company for the reason for the denial in writing. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can file an appeal. Your audiologist or doctor can often help you gather the medical documentation needed to support an appeal.