Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams performed solely to fit hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra hearing benefits, but the amount, network, devices, copays, and service rules vary by plan.
Original Medicare and diagnostic tests
Medicare’s official coverage page lists hearing aids and fitting exams as not covered. Part B may cover diagnostic hearing and balance testing when it is ordered to determine whether medical treatment is needed. After the Part B deductible, the patient generally pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount; a hospital outpatient copayment may also apply.
Medicare generally requires an order for audiology services. However, once every 12 months a patient may directly access an audiologist without an order for certain diagnostic tests related to a non-acute hearing condition or a surgically implanted hearing device. This exception does not include testing for disequilibrium or imbalance. Eligibility and coverage should be confirmed before the visit.
Medicare Advantage
Plans may include an allowance, fixed copays, selected devices, or a third-party network. Verify the benefit year, provider eligibility, products, included services, authorization, frequency limits, and estimated out-of-pocket amount. A benefit quote is not a guarantee of payment.
Before your appointment
Provide the insurance name, member ID, patient name, and date of birth when scheduling. A picture of the front and back of the card may be requested. When a copy is needed, bringing the card to the office is preferred. The front and back may also be faxed to the applicable office. Merit Hearing discourages sending insurance-card images through standard email because it is not secure for protected health information. Merit Hearing strives to check hearing-aid benefits before the appointment so they can be explained with the test results and considered during recommendations. Ask whether a deductible applies and whether follow-up care is included. Medigap generally supplements Original Medicare cost sharing rather than adding routine hearing-aid coverage, though separate programs may exist.
All Merit Hearing providers and locations work with TruHearing, NationsHearing, UHC Hearing/EPIC Hearing/Ear Professionals Network, YHN, Amplifon, and Start Hearing. Most third-party plans include three follow-up visits during the first year, but exact terms vary by plan. Iowa offices also work with VA Care in the Community. Private-insurance participation varies by provider and location and is listed on the applicable location page.
Hearing aids versus diagnostic services
Seeing “Medicare Part B” on a provider’s insurance list does not mean Original Medicare pays for hearing aids. It may indicate that qualifying diagnostic audiology services can be billed when Medicare’s coverage requirements are met. Device purchases, fitting examinations, and third-party Medicare Advantage benefits follow different rules.
Frequently asked questions
Does Merit Hearing accept Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B appears on Merit Hearing’s public location insurance lists. Coverage still depends on the service, medical necessity, required order or referral rules, clinician enrollment, and individual eligibility. Confirm before the visit.
Will Medicare Advantage pay the entire cost?
Not necessarily. A plan may offer an allowance or contracted devices while requiring copays, network use, authorization, or a third-party vendor. Review both device and service terms.
Is an insurance verification a guarantee?
No. Verification reports the information available from the plan before service. The insurer makes the final determination when the claim or benefit is processed.
Next step
Ask Merit Hearing to verify hearing benefits before fitting, then compare the result with the hearing-aid cost guide. The insurer makes the final coverage determination.