Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the coverage varies widely by state and by your age
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, which means each state sets its own rules about hearing aids. Some states cover them fully for adults of any age. Others cover them only for children, or only for seniors over 65, or only in certain circumstances. A few states do not cover them at all. You need to check your specific state's Medicaid program to know what applies to you.
The fastest way to find out is to call your state Medicaid office directly or log into your Medicaid account online. You can also call 211 and ask them to tell you what your state covers. Have your Medicaid member ID ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Medicaid hearing aid coverage is set by each state, so you must check your state's rules rather than assume national coverage.
- Many states cover hearing aids for children under 21 but not for working-age adults, though some cover all ages.
- States that do cover adult hearing aids often limit you to one pair per ear every three to five years.
- Your doctor must order the hearing aid and document the medical need before Medicaid will consider payment.
- You may need to use an audiologist or hearing aid provider on your state's Medicaid network, or pay out of pocket and request reimbursement.
Which states cover hearing aids for adults
About half of U.S. states cover hearing aids for Medicaid members age 21 and older. States that do include California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas, though this list changes and you should verify your own state. States that do not typically cover adult hearing aids include Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
Even in states that cover adults, the coverage often comes with strict limits. You may be allowed one hearing aid per ear every three to five years, or the state may cap the dollar amount it will pay per device. Some states require prior authorization—meaning your doctor or audiologist must get written approval from Medicaid before you purchase the device.
If your state does not cover hearing aids for adults, you have no Medicaid benefit to draw on, though you may be able to find lower-cost options through community health centers, university audiology programs, or hearing aid manufacturers' patient information programs.
Coverage for children and seniors
Medicaid covers hearing aids for children under 21 in all 50 states. This is a federal requirement. The coverage typically includes the device itself, the fitting, and follow-up adjustments. Children often have fewer restrictions on how often they can get new aids, because their ears and hearing needs change as they grow.
Seniors age 65 and older may be covered by Medicare instead of Medicaid, depending on their income and enrollment status. Medicare does not cover hearing aids as a benefit, though it does cover the hearing test that leads to a diagnosis. Some states offer additional Medicaid coverage for seniors who are also on Medicare (called "dual may be able to access"), but this varies by state.
What you need before Medicaid will pay
Medicaid will not pay for a hearing aid based on your request alone. You need a medical order from a doctor or audiologist that documents hearing loss. This usually means you must have had a hearing test (audiogram) performed by a licensed audiologist, and the results must show a level of hearing loss that meets your state's threshold for treatment.
Your doctor or audiologist will then submit the order to Medicaid along with the test results. Some states require prior authorization at this stage—Medicaid reviews the order and either approves or denies it before you buy the device. Other states allow you to purchase the device and then request reimbursement, though this puts the cost on you upfront.
Keep all documentation: the audiogram, the doctor's order, receipts, and any correspondence with Medicaid. If your claim is denied, you will need these records to file an appeal.
How to find out what your state covers
Start by contacting your state Medicaid office. You can find the phone number on your Medicaid card or by searching "[your state] Medicaid" online. When you call, ask specifically: "Does Medicaid cover hearing aids for my age group?" and "If yes, what are the limits on frequency and cost?"
If you are unsure whether you are on Medicaid or another program, or if you do not have a Medicaid card, call 211. This free referral service can tell you what programs you may be on and connect you to your state office.
You can also visit your state Medicaid website directly. Most states have a searchable list of covered services or a member handbook that lists hearing aid coverage. The website address is usually "[your state].gov" followed by "medicaid".
What to do if Medicaid does not cover hearing aids in your state
If your state does not cover hearing aids through Medicaid, you have several other options. Community health centers often offer discounted hearing tests and can refer you to low-cost hearing aid programs. Some universities with audiology programs offer reduced-cost services performed by graduate students under supervision.
Hearing aid manufacturers including Phonak, Oticon, Widex, and ReSound offer patient information programs that reduce the cost of devices for people with limited income. You can contact the manufacturer directly or ask your audiologist to help you explore. Some nonprofits, including the Hearing Loss Association of America, maintain lists of local resources and discount programs.
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids regardless of your Medicaid status. If you are a senior, ask your Area Agency on Aging whether your county has a hearing aid loan program or donation program.
How to appeal if Medicaid denies your claim
If Medicaid denies your hearing aid claim, you have the right to appeal. Your denial notice will explain the reason and tell you how to file an appeal. Most states give you 30 to 60 days from the date of the denial letter to submit your appeal.
File your appeal in writing and include any new information that supports your case—for example, a more recent audiogram, a letter from your doctor explaining why the hearing aid is medically necessary, or documentation that you meet your state's income requirements. Send your appeal to the address listed on the denial letter and keep a copy for your records.
If you need help with the appeal, contact your state's Medicaid ombudsman or a legal aid office. Many states have free legal services for people on Medicaid who are fighting a denial.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
No. Medicare covers the hearing test that diagnoses hearing loss, but not the hearing aid itself. If you are 65 or older and on both Medicare and Medicaid, your state's Medicaid program may cover the device, but this varies by state.
If my state covers hearing aids, do I have to use a specific provider?
Most states require you to use an audiologist or hearing aid provider who is enrolled in Medicaid. Your state Medicaid office can give you a list of in-network providers. If you use an out-of-network provider, Medicaid will not pay, and you will owe the full cost.
Can I get hearing aids covered if I am on emergency Medicaid?
Emergency Medicaid covers only urgent medical conditions, not hearing aids. If you are on emergency Medicaid, you would need to transition to regular Medicaid coverage first. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask about your options.
What if I need new hearing aids before my state's time limit allows?
If your current hearing aids are broken beyond repair or no longer fit (for example, if you are a child whose ears have grown), you may be able to request an exception. Submit a written request to Medicaid with documentation from your audiologist explaining why you need a replacement before the usual time frame. Some states grant exceptions; others do not.
Do I have to pay anything out of pocket if Medicaid covers my hearing aids?
This depends on your state and your specific Medicaid plan. Some states cover the full cost. Others require a copay or coinsurance. Check your Medicaid member handbook or call your state office to find out what you will owe.