Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
If you are a Medicare Policyholder and finding yourself in need of hearing aids or their exams, your options may not be clear to you. As you may have learned, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fitting exams. However, there are alternatives to getting hearing aids, or getting them covered. There are cases in which Medicare Part B does cover certain hearing and balance exams, usually when a doctor orders them to diagnose conditions. You are also able to see an audiologist once a year for non-acute hearing conditions, without a doctor’s order.
One of the most common ways seniors get hearing aids and fitting exams covered is through Medicare Advantage. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid benefits, but these vary from plan to plan. Your MA plan’s provider manual should provide a list of covered benefits.
Does Medicare Advantage (Part C) Cover Hearing Aids?
Medicare Advantage Plans are insurance plans by private carriers. Many Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare. Some of these extra benefits can be vision, hearing and dental coverage, and are usually bundled with your Part A and B.
These additional hearing benefits may include coverage for hearing aids and hearing exams. If your doctor is recommending you get an exam for your hearing, look into getting onto a Medicare Advantage Plan that will cover the cost. Typically you will be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period.
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan already and are unsure of whether or not you’re covered for hearing aids, contact your insurance company, or check your provider manual for more information.
Does Medicaid Cover Hearing Aids?
For adults, Medicaid coverage for hearing services depends heavily on what state you live in. Costs, requirements and eligibility will also vary by state.
For children, Medicaid is required to provide Medicaid beneficiaries under 21 hearing service. This includes screening, diagnostic, treatment, and hearing aids.
To see if hearing aids are covered in your state, refer to the Hearing Loss Association of America, or check your state government website.
Hearing & balance exams
An increasingly popular way to save money on hearing aids is to purchase them directly. Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids are a relatively new option for customers to get their hands on decent devices for much lower costs, often running you less than $1,000 a pair. However, although cheaper and more accessible, OTC hearing aids are often less complex than prescription hearing aids. If you suffer from severe hearing loss, the additional features of a prescription hearing aid will likely be the better option.
Alternatively, some charities take donated hearing aids, refurbish them, and give these reused devices to low-income people for free. You may be eligible to receive hearing aids through nonprofit organizations for free, based on financial need. Don’t forget to ask your audiologist for programs that may offer free or low-cost hearing aids.
