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Are Hearing Aids Covered by Insurance?
Health insurances like Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, and some local assistance programs might cover the cost of hearing aids, but actual hearing aid insurance coverage ultimately varies by state, parent company, and the specific health plan.
Updated:
At a glance:
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and most private health insurance plans do not usually cover hearing aid costs like audiologist visits, hearing exams, fittings, or the medical devices themselves, but there are other insurances that won’t make you pay upfront.
- Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, VA Benefits, nonprofit programs, and some long-term insurance companies may help cover your hearing healthcare costs.
- The average out-of-pocket cost for OTC hearing aids is anywhere from $100 for simple options to $2,500 for premium models. Prescription hearing care can reach over $12,000 per pair of hearing aids.
If you’re a senior suffering from hearing loss, learning that Original Medicare doesn’t offer hearing aid coverage can be a headache. However, finding insurance with good hearing aid benefits isn’t as hard as it seems.
Below, we’ve outlined the best ways to get financial assistance when purchasing hearing aids, so you can find the most effective funding options for your family.
Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Original Medicare, whether Part A, Part B, or Medigap plans, does not mandate coverage for hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is because it was founded on the idea that hearing aids were inexpensive, elective, and “routinely needed” back in 1965. Outdated or not, most hearing care needs do not meet eligibility requirements for coverage.
Some devices, such as cochlear implants, qualify for Medicare coverage because Medicare classifies them as prosthetic devices rather than traditional hearing aids. With Original Medicare, you can get up to 80% of device, surgery, mapping, and rehabilitation costs for these systems covered.
Can I Get Coverage Through Medicare Advantage Plans?
If you’re dissatisfied with Original Medicare coverage, you can choose to work with a Medicare-approved private insurance company under Medicare Advantage (Part C). In this case, instead of the government paying your bills directly, they pay the third-party insurer to manage your coverage. As a private healthcare plan, you’ll need to pay deductibles and copays, but you’re also more likely to get coverage for hearing aids.
Please note that the actual level of coverage still depends on the individual insurance policy. We strongly recommend contacting the Medicare Advantage insurance provider about hearing care coverage before you commit to a plan. You can also find more information on Medicare.gov.
Do Hearing Aids Qualify For Medicaid Coverage?
As a joint federal and state healthcare program designed to help people with low incomes, Medicaid is often a more reliable way to cover hearing aid costs. In fact, it mandates hearing aid coverage for children under 21 in all 50 states.
However, if you’re a senior, coverage will ultimately depend on which state you live in. A total of 19 states and Washington, D.C. require Medicaid to provide adult hearing aid coverage with no copayment. Another 15 states provide partial coverage, and the remaining 20 do not require Medicaid to cover adult hearing aids.
| State | Adult Medicaid Coverage for Hearing Aids |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No coverage |
| Alaska | Full coverage |
| Arizona | No coverage |
| Arkansas | No coverage |
| California | Full coverage |
| Colorado | No coverage |
| Connecticut | Full coverage |
| Delaware | No coverage |
| Florida | Full coverage |
| Georgia | No coverage |
| Hawaii | Full coverage |
| Idaho | No coverage |
| Illinois | Partial coverage |
| Indiana | Full coverage |
| Iowa | No coverage |
| Kansas | Partial coverage |
| Kentucky | No coverage |
| Louisiana | Partial coverage |
| Maine | Partial coverage |
| Maryland | Full coverage |
| Massachusetts | Full coverage |
| Michigan | Partial coverage |
| Minnesota | Full coverage |
| Mississippi | Partial coverage |
| Missouri | Partial coverage |
| Montana | Partial coverage |
| Nebraska | Partial coverage |
| Nevada | Partial coverage |
| New Hampshire | Full coverage |
| New Jersey | Full coverage |
| New Mexico | Full coverage |
| New York | Partial coverage |
| North Carolina | No coverage |
| North Dakota | Partial coverage |
| Ohio | Full coverage |
| Oklahoma | No coverage |
| Oregon | Full coverage |
| Pennsylvania | No coverage |
| Rhode Island | Full coverage |
| South Carolina | No coverage |
| South Dakota | No coverage |
| Tennessee | No coverage |
| Texas | Full coverage |
| Utah | No coverage |
| Vermont | Full coverage |
| Virginia | Partial coverage |
| Washington | Partial coverage |
| West Virginia | No coverage |
| Wisconsin | Partial coverage |
| Wyoming | Full coverage |
Can I Get My Hearing Care Covered Through Veterans Benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers VA Health Care plans that help senior veterans cover the cost of medically necessary hearing aids, especially if your hearing loss is related to service. While most seniors won’t qualify for TRICARE, as it’s specifically for active duty personnel, you should have access to Veterans Health Administration (VHA) audiology services. This program provides free hearing aids, batteries, and repairs to enrolled veterans. Learn more here.
Private Insurance Hearing Aid Coverage
Most private insurance companies won’t cover the cost of hearing aids or hearing tests, though it depends on the state. There are currently five states, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, that require private insurance to cover hearing aids for both children and adults.
Regardless of state, you will still need to pay certain deductibles and copays based on your plan. We recommend using your state’s specific healthcare marketplace to find the best deals.
Are There Other Financing Options For Better Hearing?
When health insurance isn’t an option, but you know a new set of hearing aids will improve your quality of life, there are other financing options available to you. These include:
- Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are local resources in every state that can help you access grants for hearing aids and other beneficial community programs.
- Nonprofits and charities, such as the Starkey Hearing Foundation or the Lions Club, might provide funding or access to donated or discounted hearing aids.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are tax-advantaged savings accounts that allow you to withdraw pre-tax funds for hearing aids recommended by your doctor.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) work similarly to HSAs, with most plans allowing reimbursements for medically necessary hearing aids and related accessories.
- Manufacturer Payment Plans are financing options offered directly by hearing aid manufacturers or audiologists. They can be worth it when you have no other option, but be sure to choose a low- or no-interest plan.
The Importance of Understanding Your Insurance Benefits
Ultimately, every health insurance provider is unique, especially from state to state. To avoid unnecessary costs associated with your hearing care, you should always check:
- Whether your audiologist is in-network with your insurance
- If the insurance covers hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up appointments
- What specific hearing devices and parts are covered
Not able to get coverage with your current insurance? Start researching the programs available in your state, or consider switching to a plan that offers greater reassurance for seniors. When medically necessary, it is usually possible to get the best hearing aids for your situation covered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About If Hearing Aids Are Covered By Insurance
Why hearing aids aren’t covered by your specific insurance plan depends on the state and company, but generally speaking, insurers often classify them as “elective” or “non-essential” rather than a life-saving medical necessity. This is the main reason original Medicare (Parts A and B) and most private insurance plans don’t cover them.
No, Medicare does not cover hearing aids, even if you have tinnitus. Medicare will only cover cochlear implants as prosthetic devices in some instances.
Medicaid will often cover at least part of the cost of adult hearing care in at least 30 states. The remaining 20 listed in our chart above cover only hearing healthcare for children under 21.
Yes, there are VA healthcare programs, such as Veterans Health Administration (VHA) audiology services, that help eligible former service members obtain free hearing aids.
Most health insurances will cover medically necessary hearing tests, but it’s important to check your specific plan before you schedule an appointment.
The best way to cover the cost of a pair of hearing aids without insurance depends on your circumstances. For example, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can provide financing, while certain nonprofits allow you to access grants. It’s important to understand your unique situation before you choose a financing option.
The out-of-pocket cost of hearing aids varies based on your level of hearing loss and whether the device is over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription. OTC hearing aids cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500, while some prescription models can reach $12,000 per pair.
You can find OTC hearing aids at your local pharmacy, but most custom models will need to be manufactured by a hearing aid company according to your audiologist’s recommendations. Those devices will either need to be picked up at the clinic or shipped to you.
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