Most insurance plans cover hearing aids only partially, and many cover them not at all
Whether your insurance covers hearing aids depends on what type of insurance you have and what your specific plan says. Medicare covers a hearing test but not the hearing aids themselves. Private insurance varies widely — some plans cover 50 percent of the cost, others cover nothing. Medicaid in some states covers hearing aids for adults; in others it does not. Veterans may have coverage through the VA. The only way to know what your plan covers is to call your insurance company directly and ask about their hearing aid benefit.
Even when insurance does cover hearing aids, the coverage usually comes with limits: a maximum dollar amount per ear, a requirement that you use an in-network provider, or a waiting period before the benefit kicks in. Some plans require you to try less expensive options first. Understanding these limits before you buy can save you hundreds of dollars.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids, though it does cover the audiologist's test that diagnoses hearing loss.
- Private insurance coverage for hearing aids ranges from zero to 50 percent of the cost, and many plans exclude them entirely — check your plan documents or call your insurer.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in some states for adults and in most states for children, but the rules and covered devices vary by state.
- Veterans may have hearing aid coverage through the VA, and some employers offer hearing aid benefits as part of their retiree health plan.
- If your insurance does not cover hearing aids, you may reduce out-of-pocket costs through manufacturer discounts, nonprofit programs, or state vocational rehabilitation services.
Medicare and hearing aids
Medicare Part B covers the cost of a hearing test (called an audiological exam) when ordered by your doctor. The test itself is covered at 80 percent after you meet your Part B deductible. However, Medicare does not cover the hearing aids themselves, the fitting, or the adjustments that come after you buy them.
This has been true for decades and remains true under Original Medicare and all Medicare Advantage plans. If you are on Medicare and want hearing aids, you will pay the full cost out of pocket. Some Medicare Advantage plans add hearing aid coverage as an extra benefit — usually covering a set dollar amount per ear every few years — but this is not may provide. Call your Medicare Advantage plan directly to ask whether they cover hearing aids and what the limits are.
Private insurance and employer plans
Private insurance plans vary dramatically. Some cover hearing aids at 50 percent of the cost up to a maximum of $2,000 per ear every three years. Others cover them at a lower percentage or with a lower cap. Many exclude hearing aids entirely. Your coverage depends on the specific plan your employer chose, not on the insurance company itself.
The best way to find out what your plan covers is to call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, what is the maximum benefit per ear, how often can I use it, and do I have to use an in-network provider?" Write down the answers and ask for the policy details in writing if possible. If your employer offers health insurance, your HR department can also tell you what the plan includes.
Some employers offer a separate hearing aid benefit through a discount program rather than through insurance. These programs negotiate lower prices with hearing aid retailers but do not pay for the aids directly — you get a discount instead. Ask your HR department whether your employer offers this type of benefit.
Medicaid coverage by state
Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults in some states and not in others. The federal government does not require states to cover them, so each state decides. States that do cover hearing aids often limit the benefit to one pair per ear every few years, and some require prior approval before you buy.
To find out whether your state's Medicaid program covers hearing aids, contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can find your state office through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website at medicaid.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Most states cover hearing aids for children through Medicaid, even if they do not cover them for adults, because federal law requires states to provide comprehensive hearing services to children under 21.
Veterans and VA coverage
Veterans may be covered for hearing aids through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA provides hearing aids at no cost to may be able to access veterans, and the VA also covers the fitting and ongoing adjustments. may be able to access depends on your service history and disability rating, not on your income.
To learn whether you are covered, contact your local VA medical center or call the VA benefits hotline at 1-800-827-1000. You can also explore for VA benefits online through VA.gov. If you are a veteran and have not yet applied for VA benefits, it is worth doing so even if you do not think you are may be able to access — the VA will review your service record and let you know what you may have access to for.
What to do if your insurance does not cover hearing aids
If your insurance does not cover hearing aids or the coverage is too limited to be useful, several options can reduce what you pay out of pocket. Hearing aid manufacturers often offer discount programs directly to consumers — you buy the aids at a reduced price without going through insurance. Some nonprofits, including the Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, maintain lists of low-cost or donated hearing aid programs in your area.
If you are not yet retired and still working, your state's vocational rehabilitation agency may cover hearing aids if the loss affects your ability to work. Contact your state's department of rehabilitation services to ask. Some community health centers also offer hearing tests and aids at reduced cost based on income. Call 211 or visit 211.org to find a health center near you.
Costco, Sam's Club, and some other retailers offer hearing aids at lower prices than traditional hearing aid dispensers, though the selection is smaller. If you are considering this route, make sure the retailer offers a trial period so you can return the aids if they do not work for you.
How to check your coverage before you buy
Before you purchase hearing aids, take these steps to understand what your insurance will and will not pay for. First, call your insurance company and ask specifically about hearing aid coverage — do not ask about "hearing services" or "audiology," because those may be covered while hearing aids are not. Ask for the maximum dollar amount per ear, how often you can use the benefit, whether you must use an in-network provider, and whether there is a waiting period.
Second, ask your audiologist or hearing aid dispenser what they bill to your insurance and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. Get this in writing before you buy. Third, if your insurance requires prior approval, ask the provider to submit the request before you commit to the purchase. This step prevents surprises after you have already bought the aids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Advantage cover hearing aids?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage as an extra benefit, but it is not required. Call your specific plan to ask whether they cover hearing aids, what the maximum benefit is per ear, and how often you can use it. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids under any circumstances.
Can I use my FSA or HSA to pay for hearing aids?
Yes. If you have a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account through your employer, you can use those funds to pay for hearing aids and related services. The hearing aids must be prescribed by a licensed audiologist or physician. Keep your receipts and the prescription for your tax records.
What if my insurance says hearing aids are not covered but my doctor says I need them?
A doctor's recommendation does not change your insurance coverage. Insurance companies make their own decisions about what they will pay for, separate from medical necessity. If your insurance does not cover hearing aids, you will need to pay out of pocket or explore the discount and nonprofit programs listed above.
Do I have to use an in-network hearing aid provider?
That depends on your plan. Some plans only cover hearing aids if you use a provider in their network. Others cover them regardless of where you buy them. Check your plan documents or call your insurance company to find out. If you use an out-of-network provider, your out-of-pocket cost will likely be higher.
How much do hearing aids cost without insurance?
Hearing aid prices vary widely depending on the technology and features. Basic models start around $1,000 per ear, while advanced models can cost $3,000 to $6,000 per ear. Many people buy two aids (one for each ear), so total costs range from $2,000 to $12,000 or more. Ask your provider for a price list before you commit.