# Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
No — Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is one of Medicare's most significant coverage gaps, affecting over 48 million Americans with hearing loss.
However, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans — private Medicare plans that replace Original Medicare — frequently include hearing benefits, including hearing aids and exams. If hearing coverage is a priority, your plan choice matters enormously.
Here's the full breakdown.
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What Does Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) Cover for Hearing?#
Medicare Part A (hospital coverage): No hearing aid coverage. No routine hearing tests.
Medicare Part B (medical insurance):
- Covers diagnostic hearing exams only if ordered by a doctor to assess a medical condition (e.g., to rule out a medical cause before surgery, or for diagnostic workup). These must be medically necessary.
- Does NOT cover routine hearing tests to assess age-related hearing loss.
- Does NOT cover hearing aids or fitting/adjustment services.
- Does NOT cover exams ordered solely to get fitted for hearing aids.
The standard Medicare Part B diagnostic hearing exam:
- Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount
- You pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your deductible
- But again — only when medically ordered, not for routine screening
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What About Medicare Part D?#
Medicare Part D covers prescription medications only. It has no coverage for hearing aids, which are medical devices, not drugs.
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Does Medicare Advantage (Part C) Cover Hearing Aids?#
Yes — many Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits. This is one of the key reasons people choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare + Medigap.
Medicare Advantage plans set their own supplemental benefits beyond Original Medicare's coverage. Many plans include:
- Annual hearing exams (routine, not just medically ordered)
- Hearing aid allowances: typically $500–$2,500 per year or per pair
- Coverage for hearing aid fitting and adjustments
- Discounts on hearing aids from in-network providers (e.g., TruHearing network)
What to check when comparing MA plans:
- What's the hearing benefit allowance (dollar amount per year/per pair)?
- Is there a network of hearing providers (TruHearing, Amplifon, Hearing Care Solutions)?
- Does the plan cover both ears, or is the allowance per device?
- What brands and technology levels are included?
Popular Medicare Advantage plans with strong hearing benefits include Humana, UnitedHealthcare (UHC), Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates — but specific benefits vary by plan and ZIP code.
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How Much Do Hearing Aids Actually Cost?#
Understanding out-of-pocket costs helps you evaluate what a Medicare Advantage benefit is worth.
| Hearing Aid Type | Average Cost Per Pair |
|---|---|
| Basic/entry-level | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Mid-range | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Premium/advanced | $5,000–$7,000+ |
| OTC hearing aids (mild-moderate loss) | $200–$1,600 |
OTC (Over-the-Counter) Hearing Aids: Since 2022, FDA-approved OTC hearing aids are available for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss without a prescription at retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Best Buy. Brands like Sony CRE-10, Jabra Enhance, and Lexie are popular. Medicare doesn't cover these either, but they're a lower-cost option for some users.
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Other Ways to Get Hearing Aid Coverage#
1. Medicare Advantage (Part C) — Best structured option; shop plans during Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7)
2. Medicaid — Covers hearing aids in many states for low-income beneficiaries. Coverage varies by state.
3. Veterans Affairs (VA) — Veterans with service-connected hearing loss qualify for free hearing aids through the VA. Some non-service-connected veterans also qualify depending on disability rating.
4. State assistance programs — Some states have programs subsidizing hearing aids for low-income adults. Check your state's health department.
5. Hearing aid financing — Many audiologists offer payment plans. CareCredit (a medical credit card) is frequently accepted.
6. Nonprofit assistance:
- Starkey Hearing Foundation — provides hearing aids to qualifying patients
- HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America) — maintains a list of assistance programs
- Lions Clubs — some local chapters collect and refurbish donated hearing aids
7. Costco Hearing Center — Not insurance, but Costco sells high-quality hearing aids at significantly below-market prices ($1,500–$2,000 per pair) through its in-warehouse Hearing Centers.
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How to Compare Medicare Advantage Plans for Hearing#
- Go to Medicare.gov/plan-compare — the official CMS plan finder
- Enter your ZIP code and select "Medicare Advantage"
- Filter by "Hearing benefits"
- Compare the hearing aid allowances, annual limits, and network providers side by side
- Look at the total plan cost (premium + out-of-pocket max) alongside hearing benefits
During Annual Enrollment (October 15–December 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans. If you're on Original Medicare and want to add hearing coverage, this is your primary window to switch.
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Frequently Asked Questions#
Does Medicare Part B cover hearing aids?
No. Medicare Part B doesn't cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. It covers diagnostic hearing testing only when ordered by a doctor for a medical condition — not routine age-related hearing screening.
Does Medicare Advantage cover hearing aids?
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing aid benefits, typically an annual allowance of $500–$2,500 per pair and coverage for hearing exams. Benefits vary by plan and location.
Can I get free hearing aids through Medicare?
Not through Original Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids at no additional cost within their allowance. Veterans with qualifying service-connected hearing loss can receive free hearing aids through the VA.
Are OTC hearing aids covered by Medicare?
No. Over-the-counter hearing aids available at retail stores since 2022 are not covered by Medicare, but they offer a lower-cost alternative ($200–$1,600) for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
When does Medicare cover a hearing test?
Medicare Part B covers a hearing test if ordered by your doctor to diagnose or evaluate a suspected medical condition. It doesn't cover routine hearing screenings done to assess general hearing ability.
Does Medigap (Medicare Supplement) cover hearing aids?
No. Medigap plans fill gaps in Original Medicare's cost-sharing (deductibles, coinsurance), but since Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, Medigap plans don't either.
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The Bottom Line#
If you're on Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you're paying out of pocket. The average pair costs $3,000–$5,000, and Medicare Parts A, B, and D cover none of it. Your best options are:
- Switch to Medicare Advantage with hearing benefits during Open Enrollment
- Explore VA benefits if you're a veteran
- Check your state's Medicaid if you qualify by income
- Consider OTC hearing aids (Costco, retail) for mild-to-moderate loss as a lower-cost interim option
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