I need a hearing aid but I've heard Medicare doesn't cover them. Is there any way around this?

Question

Tammie Rutledge · Accepted Answer

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.

Answered by Tammie Rutledge on April 3, 2025

Broker Licensed in WA, AZ, FL & ID, MT, OR & TX

Answered by Tammie Rutledge Medicare Insurance Agent

Maureen McKenna · Answer

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).

Answered by Maureen McKenna on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 19 other states

Answered by Maureen McKenna Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

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.

Answered by Larry Dalton on April 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, there is coverage for that.  If you don’t and want them before the Annual Enrollment Period, my wife tells me Costco has good pricing on them.

Tasha Riggs · Answer

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

Charles Boone · Answer

Not only do many Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for Hearing Aids, they often offer
coverage for Vision and Dental as well. The level of coverage may vary from plan to plan. I recommend letting your Health Insurance Broker know what your specific needs are so that we can find a plan that checks all of your boxes.

Christopher Soto · Answer

That is correct, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. The only way to get coverage for hearing aids is through a Medicare Advantage Plan, this is also known as MAPD or Part C.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

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.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Timothy Brown · Answer

You have a few options when it comes to hearing aid coverage:
1) Enroll/sign up for a stand alone plan that covers dental, vision & hearing. They usually includes these 3 benefits under one plan. 
2) Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes hearing aid benefits.
3) MDhearing.com is a low cost hearing aid plan option.
Last thing, some recipients believe that “covered” means that you pay nothing for the benefits or services which is not true. There is usually or copay or coinsurance for various benefits.

Norman Smith · Answer

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.

Answered by Norman Smith on April 6, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & PA

Answered by Norman Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Dana Dane · Answer

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.

Answered by Dana Dane on April 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Dana Dane Medicare Insurance Agent

Diana Salisbury · Answer

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.

Answered by Diana Salisbury on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, IN & MI

Answered by Diana Salisbury Medicare Insurance Agent

Cody Brown · Answer

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.

Fred Manas · Answer

While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover hearing aids or exams to fit them, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) and some private insurance policies do. If you're enrolled in an Original Medicare plan, you'll need to explore options for hearing aid coverage outside of Medicare, such as Medicare Advantage plans, private insurance, or financial assistance programs. 
Here's how you can potentially get hearing aid coverage:
Medicare Advantage Plans:
Many Part C plans include benefits for hearing aids and exams. It's crucial to carefully review the benefits offered by specific plans in your area. 
Private Insurance:
Some private health insurance policies may offer hearing aid coverage. You can shop around for policies that include this benefit. 
Medigap Policies:
Medigap plans, which supplement Original Medicare, may offer additional benefits for hearing aids and exams. However, not all Medigap policies cover hearing aids, so it's important to check the specific plan details. 
State Programs:
Some states have dedicated programs or agencies that can provide support and guidance for accessing hearing aids or services. 
Medicaid:
If you qualify for Medicaid, it may cover the cost of hearing aids in some states. 
Help America Hear:
This program, from the Foundation for Sight and Sound, helps low-income individuals access new hearing aids. 
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids:
Since 2017, OTC hearing aids have become available, and these can be considerably less expensive than prescription hearing aids. 
Financial Assistance Programs:
Several nonprofit organizations and state programs offer financial assistance to help people afford hearing aids. 
Audient Alliance:
This program connects low-income individuals with providers who offer reduced-cost hearing services and hearing aids.

Steve Brauer · Answer

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!

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Medicare does NOT cover hearing aids. The only way(s) to obtain one is to self pay or have an agency of some sort to financially help.

Chuck Winslow · Answer

Great question and it all depends on who you have your Medicare with and the type of plan you're on. 

I just helped a gentleman yesterday and now he has hearing,  vision and dental. 

How can I help you?

Alexander Lehn · Answer

If you are on original Medicare, there is no way around the fact that they do not pay for hearing aids. There are options to look into if you need help covering their costs, but you will be looking outside of original Medicare coverage. Some Medicare Advantage and supplement plans will help with hearing aid costs, but they are not required to. There are also discount programs or other supplemental insurance programs that can lower the cost of hearing aids. The best route to go down is to evaluate your current Medicare coverage and finances with a Medicare Broker to determine if changing your coverage or adding supplemental insurance will help you get the devices you need or if there is an off-the-shelf alternative that could work without having to make a change.

Answered by Alexander Lehn on May 19, 2025

Agent Licensed in NV, CA, FL & TX

Answered by Alexander Lehn Medicare Insurance Agent

Melanie Blackston · Answer

Yes, If you sign up for a Medicare advantage plan most do offer some type of annual hearing benefit in your plan at no cost.

Sean Krause · Answer

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.

Answered by Sean Krause on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN

Answered by Sean Krause Medicare Insurance Agent

I need a hearing aid but I've heard Medicare doesn't cover them. Is there any way around this?

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I need a hearing aid but I've heard Medicare doesn't cover them. Is there any way around this?

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