Coverage by Plan Type
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams used to fit hearing aids. Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams only when ordered by a physician to determine a medical diagnosis, not for the purpose of fitting a hearing aid.
Many Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits as an extra benefit beyond Original Medicare. Coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans cover hearing exams and a fixed dollar allowance toward hearing aids (typically $500 to $2,500 per ear per year). Others offer discounts through hearing care networks. Always verify your specific plan's hearing benefits and network providers.
Medigap plans do not add hearing aid coverage. They only fill gaps in Original Medicare costs. Since Original Medicare excludes hearing aids, Medigap provides no benefit here. You would need a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone hearing benefit to get coverage.
Standalone hearing benefit plans are available from private insurers and hearing care networks such as TruHearing, HearUSA, and Amplifon. These are not insurance but provide discounted hearing exams and hearing aids at participating providers. Annual membership fees typically range from $0 to $80.
What Original Medicare Covers
Original Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when a physician orders them to diagnose a medical condition. The key distinction is purpose: if the exam is ordered to determine whether you have a medical condition affecting your hearing, Part B may cover it. If the exam is ordered to fit you for a hearing aid, it is not covered. Hearing aids themselves, and the exams specifically to fit them, are explicitly excluded from Original Medicare coverage under Section 1862(a)(7) of the Social Security Act.
What Medicare Advantage Covers
Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything Original Medicare covers, but they are also permitted to offer additional benefits. Hearing coverage is one of the most common extra benefits offered. The scope of hearing coverage varies significantly between plans and insurers. Basic hearing benefits typically include one hearing exam per year and a fixed allowance toward hearing aids, often $500 to $1,000 per ear. More comprehensive plans may offer higher allowances, coverage for both ears, and access to premium hearing aid models. Some plans partner with hearing care networks to provide discounts rather than direct coverage. Review your plan's Evidence of Coverage document for exact benefit details.
Your Options for Hearing Coverage
If you have Original Medicare and need hearing aids, you have several options. First, review Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) to find one with strong hearing benefits in your area. Second, look into hearing care discount networks such as TruHearing, HearUSA, or Amplifon, which offer reduced prices on hearing exams and devices without requiring insurance. Third, check whether your state Medicaid program covers hearing aids if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Fourth, the Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids for eligible veterans at no cost. For a full comparison of your Medicare plan options, see our Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage guide.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost Without Coverage?
Hearing aids are among the most expensive out-of-pocket medical costs for seniors. Traditional prescription hearing aids from an audiologist typically cost $1,000 to $7,000 per pair. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, available since 2022 for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, cost $200 to $1,500 per pair and do not require a prescription or fitting appointment. OTC hearing aids are sold at pharmacies, electronics stores, and online retailers. They are a meaningful option for people with mild hearing loss who do not qualify for or cannot afford prescription devices.
Also Missing from Original Medicare: Dental and Vision
Like hearing aids, routine dental care and vision exams are also excluded from Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans often bundle all three benefits together. Does Medicare Cover Dental? and Does Medicare Cover Vision?
Practical Tips
Compare Medicare Advantage plans during Annual Enrollment (Oct 15 to Dec 7) to find one with a strong hearing allowance in your ZIP code.
Ask any plan you are considering whether hearing aids are covered under the plan benefit or only through a discount network, as these are very different.
OTC hearing aids are now available without a prescription for mild to moderate hearing loss and cost significantly less than prescription devices.
Veterans who served in the military may qualify for free hearing aids through the VA, regardless of their Medicare plan.
If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), your state Medicaid program may cover hearing aids at little or no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which plan covers hearing aids in your area?
A licensed Medicare specialist can compare plans available in your ZIP code at no cost to you.