Medicare's hearing aid coverage is limited — Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or the exam to fit them, but Medicare Advantage plans sometimes do
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids, hearing aid fittings, or the audiologist visit to test your hearing. This is a hard rule that has not changed. If you have Original Medicare, you pay the full cost of a hearing aid out of pocket.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans vary widely. Some cover hearing aids, some cover only the exam, and some cover nothing. The coverage amount, the number of aids per year, and which brands are covered all depend on which plan you choose. You need to check your specific plan's details — the coverage is not automatic even if your plan offers it.
If you may have access to for Medicaid in your state, Medicaid may cover hearing aids even if Medicare does not. Medicaid rules differ by state, so contact your state Medicaid office to learn what your state covers.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, fittings, or hearing tests, and you pay the full cost yourself.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids, but coverage varies by plan and by year — you must check your plan documents or call the plan directly.
- If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids even when Medicare does not.
- The cost of hearing aids without insurance ranges widely depending on the type and features, so getting quotes from multiple providers helps you understand your options.
- If you cannot afford a hearing aid, some nonprofits and state programs offer reduced-cost or donated aids to people who meet income limits.
How to find out what your Medicare Advantage plan covers
Call your Medicare Advantage plan directly — do not rely on the plan's website summary, because the details matter. Ask whether the plan covers hearing aids, how many per year, what the out-of-pocket cost is, and whether you need a referral from your primary care doctor.
You can also review your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which is mailed to you each year and is available on the plan's website. Look for the section on hearing services. If the document is unclear, call the plan's member services line — the number is on your insurance card.
If you are shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7 each year), hearing aid coverage can be one factor in choosing between plans. Plans that cover hearing aids often charge a higher monthly premium, so weigh that cost against what you would pay out of pocket for aids.
What Original Medicare covers instead of hearing aids
Original Medicare covers a diagnostic hearing and balance exam if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — for example, if you have dizziness or sudden hearing loss. This is different from a routine hearing test to fit a hearing aid. The exam must be medically necessary, not just for hearing aid fitting.
Medicare also covers certain bone-conduction devices if you have conductive hearing loss (a problem with the middle ear) and meet specific medical criteria. These are surgically implanted or attached to the skull and work differently from standard hearing aids. Your ear, nose, and throat doctor can tell you whether you may have access to.
If you have a condition like tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, your doctor may order tests or refer you to an audiologist. Medicare covers the doctor's visit and any medically necessary testing, but not the hearing aid itself.
Medicaid coverage for hearing aids by state
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, so each state sets its own rules about hearing aid coverage. Some states cover hearing aids for all adults on Medicaid. Others cover them only for children or only for people over a certain age. Some states do not cover them at all.
To find out whether your state covers hearing aids, contact your state Medicaid office. You can find the phone number on your Medicaid card or by searching "[your state] Medicaid hearing aids" online. If you are not yet on Medicaid but think you might may have access to based on income, you can explore through your state's Medicaid program or through Healthcare.gov.
If your state does cover hearing aids, Medicaid may also cover the fitting exam and follow-up adjustments. Some states limit how often you can get a new aid — for example, once every three years — so ask about that limit when you call.
Programs that help pay for hearing aids if you cannot afford them
Several nonprofits and state programs offer hearing aids at reduced cost or for free to people with limited income. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of programs by state on its website. Lions Clubs International also funds hearing aid programs in many communities and can connect you with local resources.
Some hearing aid manufacturers run information programs for people who cannot afford their products. Phonak, Widex, Signia, and Oticon all have programs that reduce the cost or donate aids based on income. You can ask an audiologist whether you may have access to, or contact the manufacturer directly.
State vocational rehabilitation agencies may cover hearing aids if the aid will help you work or return to work. Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation office to learn whether you may have access to. The process usually involves an process and a information that the hearing aid is necessary for employment.
What happens if you turn 65 and already have a hearing aid
If you have a hearing aid before you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, Medicare does not cover the replacement or repair of that aid. You continue to pay for maintenance, repairs, and replacement out of pocket — unless you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids.
When you turn 65, you have a window to enroll in Medicare. If you are currently on Medicaid and your state covers hearing aids, that coverage may end when you switch to Medicare. Check with your state Medicaid office about what happens to your hearing aid coverage when you enroll in Medicare.
If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan partly because it covers hearing aids, factor in the cost of the monthly premium. A plan that charges $50 more per month costs $600 per year, so compare that to what you would pay out of pocket for a hearing aid in your area.
How to appeal if Medicare Advantage denies hearing aid coverage
If your Medicare Advantage plan denies coverage for a hearing aid that you believe should be covered, you have the right to appeal. Start by calling your plan's member services line and asking for the reason for the denial in writing.
Then file a grievance or appeal with your plan — the terms vary, but your plan's member services line can tell you the exact process. You typically have 60 days from the denial to file. Include any supporting documents, such as a letter from your doctor saying the hearing aid is medically necessary.
If your plan denies the appeal, you can request an independent review through Medicare. Contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn how to file. An independent reviewer who does not work for your plan will look at your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) cover hearing aids?
No. Part D covers prescription medications only, not medical equipment or devices like hearing aids. Hearing aid coverage, if available at all, comes through Original Medicare (which does not cover them) or through a Medicare Advantage plan.
If I have both Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, will Medigap pay for hearing aids?
No. Medigap (supplemental insurance) covers the costs that Original Medicare does not pay — like copays and deductibles — but it does not cover services that Medicare itself does not cover. Since Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, Medigap will not either.
Can I use a Health Savings Account (HSA) to pay for a hearing aid?
Yes, if you have an HSA through a high-deductible health plan, you can withdraw money tax-free to pay for a hearing aid. The hearing aid must be prescribed by a doctor or audiologist. Keep your receipt and the prescription for your tax records.
What if my hearing aid breaks and I have Original Medicare?
Original Medicare does not cover repair or replacement. You pay the audiologist or hearing aid provider directly for the repair. Some hearing aid providers offer repair warranties or maintenance plans that you can purchase separately.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see an audiologist if I have Medicare?
No. You can see an audiologist without a referral. However, if you want Medicare to cover a diagnostic hearing exam (for a medical reason, not hearing aid fitting), your doctor must order it. For a routine hearing test to fit a hearing aid, you do not need a referral.