Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Although Original Medicare and most Medicare supplement (Medigap) insurance plans do not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids, a growing number of Medicare Advantage (Medicare part C) plans do offer a hearing benefit. 

There are various ways to find out which plans contain a hearing benefit, including:

1. Asking an insurance broker specializing in Medicare Advantage plans
2. Comparing plans on your state’s online health insurance marketplace
3. Reviewing individual insurers’ websites to find the features of each plan

Although some Medicare Advantage plans offer a hearing benefit, not all hearing benefits are created equal. Therefore, it's important to choose a plan that offers the right type of coverage for your hearing loss, lifestyle, and communication needs.

As you age, you're more likely to experience hearing loss for various reasons, such as exposure to loud noises over time, genetics, and certain medical conditions.

As a result, having access to quality hearing insurance for seniors is crucial. Without adequate coverage, you may not be able to afford the high costs associated with hearing aids and other treatments.

Remember hearing loss can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making communicating with loved ones and participating in social activities difficult. Therefore choosing the right coverage plan can ensure that your hearing needs are well taken care of and that you can enjoy a high quality of life.

Tedeschi: A growing number of Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and professional hearing services, but unfortunately, getting the coverage you need isn't as simple as signing up with the first Medicare Advantage plan that comes your way.

Therefore, when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, remember that not all plans cover hearing aids and services.

Dr. Tedeschi: Before deciding on a plan, I'd recommend getting answers to these important questions:

• How many hearing aid brands and models are available to you through the benefit?
• Will you receive hearing aids that are a precise match to your needs?
• How much money will you actually save?

It's important to note that some plans specify an allowed amount that you may apply to the purchase of hearing aids, leaving you with thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

• What’s included in the purchase of your hearing aids?

Remember, you'll need batteries or a charging station, a warranty and aftercare services, but some programs treat these and other essentials as “extras” that add significantly to the total cost of hearing aid ownership.

• What is the extent and duration of the aftercare you’ll receive?

Professional services and adjustments are critical to your success with hearing aids, so be sure aftercare and follow-up visits are included.

Dr. Tedeschi: Be sure to choose a benefit you can use close to home. Simply put, even the most robust hearing benefit won’t do you much good if you can’t find a participating hearing care professional close to where you live.

Therefore, before you commit to a plan, find out how many providers are in the plan’s network and which ones are located near you.

Dr. Tedeschi: I would highly recommend looking for a Medicare Advantage Plan that partners with Amplifon Hearing Health Care. There are two main reasons for this:

1. Excellent coverage
2. High member satisfaction

Other benefits that members can expect include:

• Average of 66% off the manufacturer suggested retail pricing (MSRP).¹ The largest nationwide network of hearing care providers.
• Access to a wide choice of hearing aid models from leading brands
• Comprehensive care package, including: battery support, 60-day risk-free trial, warranty for loss, damage or repair and aftercare, all at no additional charge.²

Last, and most importantly, the hearing health care providers in our network are truly dedicated to the satisfaction of their patients, as evidenced by the more than 94% of members who would recommend their provider.³

Dr. Tedeschi: There are two opportunities to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan:

• Oct. 15 through Dec. 7th to switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Jan. 1 through March 31 to switch from Medicare Advantage plan to another

If you don’t take action during these timeframes, you’ll have to remain with your current coverage until the next open enrollment period. (Other enrollment periods may apply under certain circumstances.)⁴