Hearing aids are a major out-of-pocket expense under Original Medicare. Here's what's covered and how to find help.
What hearing care does Medicare cover?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams to fit them. What it does cover is diagnostic hearing and balance testing when your doctor or other provider orders it to diagnose or treat a medical condition, such as dizziness or sudden hearing loss. In that case Part B pays its share after your deductible. Routine hearing checks for the purpose of getting hearing aids are not covered. Since a single pair of hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, this gap is significant. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP at 1-800-633-4427 to learn how to get hearing coverage.
How to get hearing aid coverage with Medicare
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include a hearing benefit that helps pay for routine hearing exams and hearing aids, often through a specific supplier network and up to an annual allowance. Coverage and costs vary by plan and location. Medigap plans do not add hearing aid benefits, they cover Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs instead. Some people also buy over-the-counter hearing aids, now available without a prescription for mild to moderate hearing loss, though these are paid out of pocket. To compare Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits, call 1-800-MEDIGAP for free.