Hearing loss is a common health issue in seniors, as it affects about one-third of all older adults. This condition can lead to social isolation and loneliness and is even linked to other physical impairments, such as a greater risk of falling and a higher risk of a dementia diagnosis. Hearing aids can be an essential component in overall better well-being, both mental and physical, but the average cost is more than $4,600, which may lead people to wonder if Medicare covers hearing aids. In most cases, Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans may. Below, we go into detail about whether Medicare will cover hearing aids and related services.
How Medicare works
Medicare is a federal program that provides health insurance to adults age 65 and older. Some younger people with disabilities or people with end-stage renal disease may also qualify for Medicare. Medicare’s coverage is typically limited to medical services and does not cover nonmedical care, like eyeglasses and long-term custodial care.
Does original Medicare cover hearing aids?
Neither part of original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) covers hearing aids or exams for hearing aid fittings. However, original Medicare may help with coverage for diagnostic hearing and balance exams, provided that your doctor or health care provider orders them. Original Medicare may also cover hearing implants and related services.
Many individuals enrolled in original Medicare also carry Medicare Supplement Insurance. These Medigap plans help fill in some of the coverage gaps left by Medicare Parts A and B, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. However, none of the Medicare Supplement insurance plans offer coverage for hearing aids.
For those with original Medicare, coverage for auditory services, including the purchase and repair of hearing aids, is minimal. However, Medicare Advantage plans may offer a viable alternative.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing aid coverage
Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) offers an alternative method of receiving Medicare benefits. Private insurance companies offer these plans, which provide Medicare Part A and B coverage along with some additional options (depending on the particular plan), such as dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage.
As with many other insurance policies offered through private insurers, the exact Medicare Advantage benefits can differ from one plan to another.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover some or all of the following:
- Hearing aids (prescription and over-the-counter).
- Hearing exams.
- Hearing services.
However, Medicare Advantage plans often limit the frequency of hearing aid purchases and hearing exams. For example, most of these plans limit enrollees to one pair of hearing aids every one or two years.
In addition, you may have to pay an out-of-pocket copayment or coinsurance for hearing aids. There is also usually an annual limit on benefit payments, such as $3,000 or $4,000 per year, for hearing aids and other auditory services and supplies.
How to find out if your Medicare plan covers hearing aids
If you’re enrolled in Medicare or soon will be, it is important to determine whether Medicare will pay for hearing-related services. For original Medicare enrollees, you can determine if a particular item, service, or test is covered at Medicare.gov.
Alternatively, because all Medicare Advantage plans differ from one another, you must contact the insurance provider offering a particular plan to learn more about what it does and does not cover. You may also benefit from talking with a professional experienced with Medicare Advantage plans who can answer your questions about hearing aid coverage and other concerns.
