I need a hearing aid but I've heard Medicare doesn't cover them. Is there any way around this?
Answered by 11 licensed agents
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not include Hearing Aid Coverage. Medicare Advantage often times does but not all plans so check closely on the plan if you are enrolled into Advantage. Supplement plans typically do not include Hearing Aid coverage but may include a discount plan or a rider for purchase with certain carriers (in certain states only).
Traditional Medicare Parts A and B with a Medigap generally do not cover Hearing Aids. However, you could get a rider to add to your Medigap that offers that coverage. Medicare Advantage plans do offer some help with Hearing Aids through discounts.
The fact that you included the above word "heard" is kind of ironic. You've heard wrong! Thus, I'd agree that you actually DO need a hearing aid. In fact, two of them! LOL. Medicare doesn't pay for the entire amount. But it will give you an allowance (this depends of which insurance company you've chosen when you turned age 65) toward the purchase of hearing aids. Some will permit that every year or two though there shouldn't be the need that quickly if they're fitted properly. Go to Costco (one of the least expensive places to buy a pair) and the cost (in AZ) is around $1, 699.00 and it can work with your iPhone.
In short - No! You may be best to find a discount plan or check out individual offers from the private sector. MA Plans push this 'benefit", but you'll want to look into it a little further from each offered plan. The focus from the MA companies is to have you see the "free" and "inexpensive" benefits they provide. It's a form of redirection. Then, when you've taken the plan and find you need a major surgery, operation, or treatment, you find they have left you with a very large bill, as they didn't give the complete coverage you needed then. But you have your Hearing Aids!!!! Just be sure to balance the offers up front against the long-range costs when the body wears down and you need REAL coverage.
Some Medicare Supplement companies offer discounts on hearing aids at no extra cost. Some Medicare Advantage plans have hearing aid benefits up to a certain dollar amount. Please contact your local insurance agent to find out what is available in your area.
Medigap or original Medicare will only Cover Medical bills. Medicare Advantages will cover hearing exams and some of the hearing aids. Some of the companies own hearing companies so they can offer the aids at a MUCH lower cost.
If you want to keep original Medicare you can buy and DVH plan. Dental Vision Hearing and get a discount. I have had clients get a good deal at Costco as well
If you have an advantage plan, a number of carriers offer assistance with the cost of hearing aids if you use and go to their hearing vendor. Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids.
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, most Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and offer them at a discount or copay through their approved Vendor. Check with your local Broker if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
No, there is no way around Medicare not covering a hearing aid. You would need to purchase separate insurance outside of Medicare, or you can get that coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan.
That is one of the benefits of having a Medicare Advantage Plan. Most Advantage plans have hearing aid coverage or provide substantial discounts on them at their network providers. With the new Medicare laws, people can purchase hearing aids "over the counter" and don't need a doctor's approval. Honestly....Costco has some pretty good deals with them too!
You have heard correct. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, some Medicare advantage plans may have some hearing aid coverage. You may also check with an audiologist as some hearing aid manufactures have programs that may help with the cost.
