Medically Reviewed By Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
— Written By Alex Prosser
Updated on November 13, 2024
Medicare Part C plans may also help cover hearing aids and exams as extra benefits. Still, your exact coverage and costs will depend on your specific plan.
You may also have to contribute some money out of pocket toward your hearing aid, even if it is covered by parts B or C.
This article discusses Medicare coverage for hearing aids, including coverage restrictions, the cost of hearing aids, and other ways to help cover costs.
Glossary of Medicare parts
- Medicare Part A: Part A helps cover inpatient care, which you receive when a doctor admits you to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other healthcare center overnight.
- Medicare Part B: Part B helps cover outpatient care, which you receive without needing to stay in a healthcare facility overnight.
- Original Medicare: This refers to parts A and B together.
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Part C is an alternative to Original Medicare provided by private health insurers. It combines Part A and Part B coverage, and often includes Part D.
- Medicare Part D: Part D is an optional add-on that helps cover prescription costs. It is also provided by private health insurers.
When does Medicare cover hearing aids?
In most cases, Medicare parts A and B do not cover hearing aids.
However, you may get some Medicare coverage if you need a specific type of hearing aid or have a Medicare Part C plan.
Coverage if you need a BAHA
While Medicare doesn’t cover most hearing aids, Medicare Part B
A BAHA sometimes requires a minimally invasive surgery to place a metal implant in your skull. Alternatively, you can use a BAHA by wearing a special headband with the device inside. The BAHA then transmits sound waves through your skull bones so that you can hear better.
However, BAHA may not be safe or effective for everyone with hearing impairments. Talk with a doctor about whether a BAHA is right for you.
If Medicare will help cover your BAHA, you may still have to pay some out-of-pocket costs for your care. To check your coverage and costs, contact Medicare online or by calling 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048).
Part B may also help cover cochlear implants if you meet certain criteria.
Learn more about Part B coverage and costs.
Coverage if you have Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C plans only have to cover what Original Medicare covers, so they don’t need to cover hearing aids and exams either.
However, some Part C plan insurers choose to offer extra benefits, such as hearing, vision, and dental coverage. For some plans, this includes coverage for:
- hearing aids and their maintenance
- hearing aid fitting exams
- routine hearing tests
Still, you will likely have to pay some money toward covered hearing care.
To check whether a Part C plan covers hearing care, contact the private insurer directly. You can also get free, independent, and personalized insurance advice from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Read more about Medicare Part C coverage, including its costs and limitations.
How much do hearing aids cost?
How much hearing aids costs can vary.
A 2020 report suggests that the average out-of-pocket cost for hearing aid care is around
In 2022, the White House reported that costs could range from around $799 to $8,000 for a pair of hearing aids. Costs depend on various factors, including the type of hearing aid, where you live, and where the hearing aids are purchased.
If Medicare Part B or Part C will help cover your hearing aid, you still typically have to pay some money toward the service yourself. This can include:
- your usual monthly premiums
- a deductible
- coinsurance or copayments
If you have Medicare Part C, your costs will depend on your specific plan and insurer.
Learn more about out-of-pocket costs under Medicare.
Where can I find help for paying for a hearing aid?
The following resources may help you pay for a hearing aid or out-of-pocket costs leftover from insurance:
- Medicaid: Depending on your state, Medicaid may help cover hearing aids for people with limited income.
- Medigap: Medigap is an extra insurance offered by private health insurers that helps cover Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Savings Programs: These are government programs to help cover Medicare’s costs.
- Charities and organizations: Organizations that may help with hearing aid costs include:
- Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Lions Club International
- state or federal employee benefits
- hearing aid banks
- Air Force Aid Society, for active-duty Air Force personnel
- Tricare, for active-duty service members and their family
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, for veterans who need hearing aids
- corporate or employee assistance
Medical professionals and healthcare facilities may be able to recommend local support, such as low cost hearing care and hearing aid banks.
If you have a mild to moderate hearing impairment, consider talking with a doctor about whether an over-the-counter hearing aid may help you.
Find out more about Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs.
Summary
In most cases, Original Medicare (parts A and B) won’t cover hearing aids.
However, Part B may help cover a BAHA or BAI device if you need one. Some Medicare Part C plans also provide coverage for hearing aids and other routine hearing care. However, hearing coverage will depend on your specific plan.
If your hearing aid is covered by Medicare parts B or C, you may still have to pay some expenses toward your care.
Contact Medicare or your Part C insurer if you have questions about your coverage or expenses.
