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.
Hearing aids are not covered
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams performed only to select or fit hearing aids. Qualifying diagnostic audiology services may still be covered when Medicare’s requirements are met.
Extra hearing benefits may be included
Plans may offer an allowance, fixed copays, selected devices, or a third-party hearing network. Products, provider eligibility, frequency limits, authorizations, and service terms can vary significantly.
Diagnostic hearing and balance testing can be different
Medicare Part B may cover diagnostic hearing and balance testing when the service is medically necessary and Medicare’s requirements are met. After the Part B deductible, Medicare generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount. A Medicare Supplement plan may reduce or eliminate the remaining coinsurance. For example, Medigap Plans F and G generally cover Part B coinsurance, although Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible.
Medicare usually requires a referral for diagnostic audiology services. For certain covered hearing-related diagnostic services, Medicare allows one visit with an audiologist every 365 days without a referral. This exception does not apply to dizziness or balance testing, so a referral is still required for those services. Coverage requirements still depend on the service and patient eligibility.
What to verify with a Medicare Advantage plan
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.
Hearing networks Merit Hearing works with
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?
Will Medicare Advantage pay the entire cost?
Is an insurance verification a guarantee?
Want Merit Hearing to check your hearing benefit?
Ask us to verify hearing benefits before fitting, then compare the result with our hearing-aid cost guide. The insurer makes the final coverage determination.