Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Have questions about getting hearing aid coverage with Medicare? Give us a call at (800) 950-0608 to speak with a live agent, or send us a quick message.

Hearing loss is a common problem.

Approximately one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74 suffers from hearing loss. The odds of experiencing hearing loss only increase with age, and just about 50% of people over the age of 75 report difficulty hearing.

This means it’s incredibly common for senior citizens to be diagnosed with hearing problems as they get older, and in many cases hearing aids, which amplify sound, are recommended by medical professionals for these patients as a way to preserve quality of life.

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

Like most medical devices, hearing aids cost a significant amount of money, so many seniors wonder if Medicare provides any coverage for hearing aids or for the appointments required to be tested and fit for them.

Unfortunately, traditional Medicare does not cover hearing aids or testing and fitting procedures. While some diagnostic hearing testing is covered if ordered by a doctor in relation to other medical conditions that may affect hearing, seniors who are only enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B must pay for their hearing aid costs completely out of pocket.

However, many Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, do offer hearing coverage, including coverage for hearing aid tests, fittings, and the devices themselves.

What is Medicare Advantage? Our agents are available to answer any of your Medicare insurance related questions. Give us a call at (800) 950-0608.

Should I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan?

• I have no diagnosed hearing loss
  Hearing loss is a serious problem that greatly affects your ability to communicate, and even if you currently don’t have any diagnosed hearing loss, it’s not a bad idea to consider Medicare Advantage to make sure you have some hearing coverage included with your health insurance plan. It’s important to monitor hearing as you age, especially because hearing problems often develop gradually over time and can be difficult to recognize without an exam or testing. Depending on your personal history and exposure to some of the conditions that affect hearing loss, like spending any significant amount of time in loud environments, you may wish to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers more coverage than traditional Medicare even if you aren’t currently experiencing symptoms.
• I have diagnosed hearing loss and may already use hearing aids:
  If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss and already use hearing aids—or strongly suspect you have hearing loss—and are about to turn 65, you absolutely should consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes hearing aid coverage instead of only traditional Parts A and B, or you will pay for any future treatment or devices out of pocket.
• I have diagnosed hearing loss and may already use hearing aids, but I’m currently enrolled in Medicare Part B:
  If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part B and know you have hearing loss or need hearing aids, you may consider switching to a Medicare Advantage plan during the annual enrollment period to increase your coverage.

What other benefits besides hearing aid coverage does Medicare Advantage provide?

In addition to hearing aids, Medicare Advantage plans can offer other benefits that don’t come with standard Medicare, including vision coverage, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, over the counter medication allowances, and more. A Medicare Advantage plan will cover everything that is covered in Medicare Parts A and B, with options offering additional benefits, so if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan you could get much more than you would by just enrolling in Parts A and B alone.

If you’re interested in learning more about Medicare Advantage or are concerned that traditional Medicare won’t provide all the coverage you need, connect with a live agent at (800) 950-0608.