Hearing Aids Covered by Medicare

Medicare provides healthcare coverage for over 60 million older American adults aged 65 and up. But unraveling Medicare’s benefits for hearing aids can prove challenging. Traditional Medicare, encompassing Part A hospital coverage and Part B outpatient coverage, includes no provisions for hearing aids or exams. This gap leaves many Medicare recipients searching for alternative avenues to obtain these costly assistive technologies. Private Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans may open up options:

Medicare Advantage – These all-in-one plans administered by private insurers bundle Medicare benefits into a single plan. Many Advantage programs offer some level of hearing aid coverage, although benefits vary widely between providers. Comparing plans can reveal more advantageous offerings.

Medigap – Also offered through private insurers, these supplemental policies specifically cover Medicare out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles. While hearing aids are typically excluded, Medigap can offset healthcare expenses and free up budget for hearing aids.

Medicaid – For low-income individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, the latter may provide additional hearing aid coverage. Availability and extent of benefits differs significantly by state, necessitating research.

Though Original Medicare falls short, coordinating coverage across Advantage, Medigap, and Medicaid can promote hearing aid access. Professional guidance adds clarity when assembling options.