Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Navigating the world of Medicare and hearing aids might be challenging. If you’re wondering if Medicare covers hearing aids, sadly, Original Medicare does not. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may include hearing aid benefits.

This article will explain the ins and outs of Medicare coverage for hearing aids and the opportunities you may have to reduce your hearing aid expenses.

Key Takeaways

• Original Medicare will likely not cover hearing aids or fitting exams, though medically necessary hearing tests prescribed by a physician may be covered under Part B up to 80% after the deductible.

• Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer coverage for hearing aids and exams, with varying degrees of coverage, provider types, and potential restrictions on the frequency of aid replacement.

• Medicaid may also cover hearing aids depending on the state and individual’s age, with children under 21, who will likely have coverage for hearing health services, while Medigap plans may not cover hearing aids.

Primarily designed for older adults and individuals with specific disabilities, Medicare is a federal health insurance program. This program is split into two parts: Original Medicare includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Unfortunately, Original Medicare may not cover hearing aids.

Under Original Medicare, there may not be any coverage for hearing aids or exams for fitting them. This will likely mean that individuals may be responsible for the full cost of their hearing aids. However, Medicare Part B could provide coverage for medically necessary hearing tests if they have been prescribed by a physician, covering at least 80% of the test cost after the deductible is met.

Original Medicare might not cover hearing aids due to the Medicare Act, passed in 1965 and there was minimal recognition of the importance of treating hearing loss. At that time, hearing aids were considered affordable and not routinely needed in the federal health insurance program.

Medicare Advantage and Potential Hearing Aid Benefits

Despite the lack of hearing aid coverage in Original Medicare, certain Medicare Advantage plans, or Part C may offer some coverage. Certain Medicare Advantage insurance plans may offer coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids.

Additionally, these plans may also encompass supplementary benefits that might not be included in Original Medicare.

The types of hearing aid coverage that could be offered by Medicare Advantage plans may vary greatly. They may provide discounts, funded benefits, or limited coverage for specific procedures. Some plans may also impose restrictions on the frequency of obtaining hearing aids, potentially limiting enrollees to one set per year or one pair every two years, which could affect hearing aid costs.

Comparing Medicare Advantage Plans

Comparing Medicare Advantage plans will likely be a key step. The range of plans could include:

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)

• MSA (Medicare Savings Account)

• PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service)

Some of these plans may cover hearing exams and other hearing-related services provided by another health care provider.

The scope of coverage and the potential aspects of cost-sharing could diverge significantly across plans, including those designed for individuals with moderate hearing loss.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Hearing Aids

Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, could be another Medicare aspect to contemplate. These are supplementary insurance plans acquired from private insurers, and have been designed to cover certain out-of-pocket costs for services that might be included in Original Medicare. Some of these Medigap plans, like Original Medicare, may also not cover hearing aids.

Medicaid and Hearing Aid Coverage

Despite Medicare’s limited hearing aid coverage, Medicaid could offer an alternative solution. The coverage of hearing aids through Medicaid, however, will likely be contingent on the state of residence and the individual’s age.

Depending on where they live, adults may have access to coverage for hearing aids and other hearing health services. Availability of coverage may vary by location. To determine eligibility for hearing aid coverage through Medicaid or to initiate the application process, individuals can call one of our licensed agents at 1-833-641-4938 (TTY 711), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm EST.

Medicaid may also provide hearing health services such as assessments, evaluations, and access to hearing aids and accessories for individuals under 21 with hearing impairments. These services will likely be designed to support their hearing needs.

However, it’s important to note that in certain states, the coverage might not include hearing aid batteries.

Veterans Affairs and Possible Hearing Aid Benefits

Veterans may have an additional option for hearing aid benefits to explore. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) might offer a range of hearing aids to qualified veterans, potentially including free hearing aids for individuals with service-connected hearing loss.

Veterans may apply for these benefits by contacting one of our licensed agents at 1-833-641-4938 (TTY 711), Mon-Fri 8 am-9 pm EST. The VA could potentially offer a range of hearing aids which may include options from manufacturers such as Oticon.