What Medicare covers for hearing aids
Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is one of the most common surprises for older adults. Medicare will pay for a one-time hearing test if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition, but the hearing aid itself — and the exam to fit it — are your responsibility.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, though the benefit varies widely. Coverage might mean a discount on hearing aids from a network provider, a set dollar amount per ear per year, or a combination. You need to check your specific plan's coverage document or call the plan directly to know what you have.
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Coverage and the process differ by state, so contact your state Medicaid office or call 211 to find out what your state offers.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans do — check your plan documents or call the plan to find out.
- Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the amount and process vary by state and your income level.
- Veterans through the VA, and some state programs for low-income seniors, cover hearing aids at little or no cost.
- Hearing aid prices range widely depending on technology and features, and many retailers offer payment plans or discounts for cash purchases.
- A hearing test from an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser usually costs $0 to $150 and is often waived if you buy from them.
Medicaid coverage by state
Medicaid is the most common source of hearing aid coverage for seniors with low income. All states cover hearing aids through Medicaid, but the specifics differ: some cover one hearing aid per ear per year, others cover one per ear every three years, and some have no limit. Income limits also vary by state.
To find out what your state covers, contact your state Medicaid office directly. You can also call 211 and give them your state and income level — they can tell you whether you likely meet the income threshold and what the coverage looks like. If you are already on Medicaid, you can also call the number on your Medicaid card.
If you do not yet have Medicaid, you can explore through your state's Medicaid office or through Healthcare.gov. The process process and approval timeline vary by state, but many states process applications within 30 days.
Veterans Administration hearing aid coverage
If you served on active duty in the U.S. military, the VA covers hearing aids and hearing exams at no cost. You do not have to be service-connected for hearing loss — the benefit is available to all enrolled veterans.
To use this benefit, you first need to enroll in VA health care. You can start the enrollment process online at VA.gov or call the VA at 1-877-222-8387. Once enrolled, you can schedule a hearing exam at your local VA medical center or through a VA telehealth appointment. The VA will fit and provide the hearing aids at no charge.
The VA typically provides two hearing aids if you need them in both ears, and covers replacement and repairs. If you have not used VA health care before, enrollment can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.
State programs for low-income seniors
Some states run their own hearing aid programs separate from Medicaid, usually for seniors who do not meet Medicaid income limits but still have limited resources. These programs are less common than Medicaid but worth checking for if you fall into that gap.
To find out whether your state has one, call your state's Department of Aging or Department of Health. You can also call 211 and ask whether your state has a hearing aid information program for seniors. If one exists in your state, 211 can usually tell you the income limit and how to reach the program.
Hearing aid costs and payment options
Hearing aid prices vary based on technology level and features. Basic hearing aids typically cost $500 to $2,000 per ear. Mid-range models run $2,000 to $4,000 per ear. Advanced models with wireless connectivity and noise reduction can cost $4,000 to $6,000 or more per ear. These are retail prices; actual costs depend on the retailer and whether you negotiate.
Many hearing aid retailers offer payment plans with no interest or low interest, allowing you to spread the cost over 12 to 36 months. Some offer discounts if you pay in full upfront — discounts of 10 to 20 percent are common. It is worth asking about both options before you decide.
If cost is a barrier, some nonprofit organizations offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) maintains a directory of local chapters that sometimes have access to programs. You can search for your local chapter at hearingloss.org.
How to get a hearing test
You can get a hearing test from an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser. Audiologists have a master's degree or doctorate in audiology; hearing aid dispensers have a license but less formal training. Both can test your hearing and fit hearing aids.
A hearing test typically costs $0 to $150 if you go to an independent provider. Many hearing aid retailers waive the test fee if you purchase from them. Some community health centers and senior centers offer low-cost or free hearing tests — call your local Area Agency on Aging to ask whether any are available near you.
Before you schedule a test, ask whether the provider is in-network for your insurance plan (if you have Medicare Advantage coverage). Also ask about the test fee upfront and whether it is waived if you buy hearing aids there.
What to expect when you buy hearing aids
The process usually takes several appointments. First is the hearing test, which takes 30 to 60 minutes and measures how well you hear at different volumes and frequencies. The provider then discusses the results with you and recommends hearing aid styles and technology levels based on your hearing loss and budget.
At a second appointment, the provider fits the hearing aids to your ears, programs them to your hearing loss, and teaches you how to use them. You typically get a trial period of 30 to 45 days to wear them at home. If they do not work for you, you can return them for a refund or exchange (though some retailers charge a restocking fee of $100 to $300).
After the trial period, you own the hearing aids. Most come with a warranty covering repairs for one to three years. You will also need to budget for batteries (if they are not rechargeable) or charging time, and occasional cleaning and maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part D cover hearing aids?
No. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs only, not medical devices like hearing aids. Only some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids, and coverage varies by plan.
Can I get hearing aids through a discount program like GoodRx?
Hearing aids are not typically available through prescription discount programs. Some hearing aid retailers offer their own discount programs or cash discounts, so it is worth asking directly. Nonprofit organizations like HLAA sometimes have partnerships with retailers for reduced pricing.
What if I cannot afford hearing aids even with a payment plan?
Check whether you meet the income limit for Medicaid in your state — Medicaid covers hearing aids in all states. If you are a veteran, the VA covers them at no cost. If neither applies, call 211 to ask about nonprofit programs or state information in your area.
Do I need a doctor's referral to see an audiologist?
No. You can schedule an appointment with an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser directly without a referral. If you want Medicare to cover a diagnostic hearing test, your doctor must order it, but that is different from a fitting test.
How often do hearing aids need to be replaced?
Hearing aids typically last five to seven years with proper care. After that, they may need replacement due to wear or because newer technology better fits your hearing loss. Most insurance programs that cover hearing aids allow replacement every three to five years.