If you’re struggling to understand Medicare, Connie can help. Ask Connie your question, and a local, licensed agent will help you navigate your Medicare journey. Complete this form to have your question answered. It could be featured on Dear Connie.
Dear Connie,
My husband and I have Original Medicare and Part D. Our doctors have told us that it’s time for both of us to get hearing aids, but we’re afraid of the cost. Does Medicare cover hearing? If not, do you know how we can get help affording it?
It is understandable to worry about the cost of hearing aids and hearing coverage. It can be scary to think about paying for hearing aids. Their price depends on whether you purchase them over the counter or through a prescription, the battery type (disposable versus rechargeable), features, and sound technology.
Hearing aid pricing can range from $99 to $7,000 or more, with the average cost of a single hearing aid being $1,500. On average, a pair of hearing aids would cost $3,000 or more. If you both need a pair of hearing aids, you could be looking at $6,000 or more.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the exam for fitting them.
Medicare Part B may cover hearing tests as part of a doctor-recommended medical treatment. Part B also covers bone-anchoring hearing aids (BAHAs). BAHAs help people with hearing-related medical conditions. In both scenarios, you would still be responsible for paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and the Part B deductible ($240 for 2024).
A Medicare Supplement plan, known as Medigap, does not cover hearing aids. Depending on your provider, you can add a dental, vision, and hearing package to complete your Medicare Supplement plan. These standalone insurance plans come at an extra cost, ranging from $30 to $200 a month based on a person’s health needs and out-of-pocket expenses. You can apply for a Medigap plan at any time, but you could be approved or denied a Medigap plan based on your medical history.
Many Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C), offered by private insurance companies, typically cover hearing aids and exams. Medicare Advantage plans are typically the most cost-effective for covering comprehensive dental, hearing, vision, and prescription drugs.
Agent tip:
“Many Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and exams. They are typically the most cost-effective plan choice for covering your hearing needs.“
While Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing care, coverage varies from plan to plan. You will need to pay for a part of the costs, and your out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan.
You may also need to wait to switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you qualify, you could switch during the fall Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 – March 31), or a Special Enrollment Period.
It is crucial not to delay getting the treatment you both need. Untreated hearing loss is linked to stress, depression, social withdrawal, reduced alertness, and cognitive decline. As your hearing declines, you may be more prone to avoiding social interaction due to difficulties like hearing others in noisy environments. Building and maintaining relationships can improve your quality of life.
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If you are still worried about paying for the costs or need financial help beyond a Medicare Advantage plan, there are solutions:
Hearing aid financial assistance programs such as the Hearing Aid Project can provide financial help.
Purchase hearing aids from a discount network. Yes Hearing offers hearing aids at 40% less than retail.
Kirkland hearing aids from Costco are a popular and more affordable option.
If you’re a veteran, the local Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center may be able to arrange a meeting with an audiologist, get you a hearing test, and find a hearing aid that’s right for you.
While Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, I hope we’ve given you plenty of options. You may want to look into a Medicare Advantage plan, a financial assistance program, your local VA, or purchase hearing aids from a local discount network or retail outlet. If you’d like to explore Medicare Advantage plans, a local licensed Connie Health agent would gladly help.
If you want to explore Medicare Advantage plans with hearing aid coverage, or should you have any additional questions or need help, please call us at (623) 223-8884.
Maybe. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, except for one instance.
Original Medicare Part B may cover hearing tests and bone-anchoring hearing aids (BAHAs) for hearing-related medical conditions. Both must be doctor-recommended medical treatments.
If you’re exploring Medicare Advantage plans for the first time, let your local licensed Connie Health agent know that you’d like hearing aid coverage. With that information, they can sort through plan options that fit your needs.
If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and you’re curious if your plan covers hearing aids, you should review the Evidence of Coverage (EOC), which outlines the products and services covered under your plan. You could also reach out to a Connie Health agent for a review of your current plan.
Does Medicare cover hearing test?
Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing tests, but it does provide them under specific circumstances. Medicare Advantage plans may provide routine hearing tests.
Medicare does cover hearing exams for acute hearing conditions. That means the hearing loss cannot have developed or occurred over many years; it would need to be sudden. Medicare also covers diagnostic services related to hearing loss treated with surgically implanted hearing devices.
In both cases, you could see an audiologist every 12 months without an order from your doctor or health care provider, but there would be a cost.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits, including hearing tests or exams. If you’re new to Medicare and want to explore plans, let a local licensed Connie Health agent know that you’d like hearing tests included in your benefits. Then, they’ll provide plan options that best suit your needs.
If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) to determine if your plan covers hearing tests. You could also contact your plan or speak with an agent at Connie Health to review your plan’s benefits.
Does Medicare Supplement cover hearing aids?
No, a Medicare Supplement plan does not cover hearing aids, nor does Original Medicare. The only plan that offers hearing aid coverage is a Medicare Advantage plan.
I am a Spanish-speaking Texas Life and Health Insurance Licensed Agent and have been helping people with Medicare since 2011. When not working, you can find me exploring new places in the Lone Star State, or watching movies and TV shows.
(623) 223-8884 | TTY: 711
(623) 223-8884 | TTY: 711
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Compare all major plans and carriers
Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience
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