It’s normal for hearing loss to occur as we age. In fact, over 25% of adults worldwide ages 60 and older are affected by disabling hearing loss. If you suffer from hearing loss, hearing aids can help improve your hearing and overall quality of life. If you need hearing aids, you may be wondering if they are covered by Medicare.
Medicare Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare, do not cover the cost of hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer some coverage. In this article, we’ll help you understand your options for Medicare coverage for hearing aids so you can get the care you need.
1. Medicare Advantage Plans
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing health services, which may include hearing aid coverage. In 2022, 95% of Medicare Advantage plans offered coverage for hearing exams and/or hearing aids. Services related to hearing aids can include hearing exams and testings/fittings for hearing devices, but coverage of these services will vary by plan. If your Medicare Advantage plan does include hearing aid coverage, this benefit will typically be at no extra cost or premium. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and want to know if it covers hearing aids, reviewing your policy details is a good place to start.
2. Over-the-Counter-Hearing Aids
The good news is that you may be able to access affordable hearing aids independent of your Medicare plan. Over-the-counter hearing aids can be a cost-friendly option if your hearing loss isn’t advanced. Keep in mind that over-the-counter hearing aids are designed for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and are not meant for individuals with significant hearing loss. It’s estimated that the average cost of over-the-counter hearing aids is about $2,800 less than a prescription pair, which can cost from $4,600 to up to $12,000 per pair. Because Medicare Advantage coverage for hearing aids varies significantly by plan, you should review your policy or contact your carrier to learn whether your plan will cover over-the-counter hearing aids.
3. Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal and state public health insurance program that helps cover medical expenses for low-income individuals with limited resources. If you are a recipient of Medicaid, you may be covered for hearing aids depending on your plan and where you live. Many states provide some degree of coverage for hearing aids as well as other services like hearing tests and exams, hearing aid repairs and replacements and hearing aid accessories and batteries. If you receive Medicaid and want to know whether or not hearing aids are covered in your state, the Hearing Loss Association of America can offer guidance.
How much does a hearing aid cost?
The cost of hearing aids will vary depending on factors like style, features, brand and more. It will also depend on the type of hearing aid you select. There are four types of hearing aids:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE): a curved plastic piece that sits behind and over your ear
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC): a microphone and amplifier rests behind your ear, while a small receiver/speaker goes into your ear canal
- In-the-ear (ITE): a device that sits entirely in the ear, and is custom-made to fit the shape of your ear
- Completely-in-canal (CIC): a lightweight device that is positioned within the ear canal
Keep in mind the price will also vary depending on whether you need a pair of hearing aids or just one. Overall, the cost for an individual hearing aid is estimated to be about $2,000, while a pair will range from $4,000 to $8,000 per pair.
Have questions about hearing aid coverage? Let SelectQuote answer your questions.
Trying to plan for the cost of hearing aids can be overwhelming, but having the right Medicare coverage can minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. At SelectQuote, we can try to help save you money and skip the hassle by searching Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans for you and comparing their cost and coverage. We gather unbiased quotes quickly and easily, helping you find the right benefits for your situation.
