Generally, the retail prices of hearing aids are ranging from $4,000-$6000, and at this end, the need for effective Medicare coverage for hearing aids is increasing day and day. This is especially needed for the seniors between ages of 60 and 69. But unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids and other hearing-related care for older adults.
It’s also worth mentioning that up to 88% of available Medicare Advantage plan can help them significantly reduce the cost of hearing aids, including hearing test and other most other types of hearing-related care.
Let’s dig deeper to know how to apply for it!
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
No!! Medicare doesn’t cover the hearing aids on their list, thus users need to pay 100% cost for the new aids. But there are a few Medicare Advantage plans that offer several benefits for hearing aids and hearing care, depending on the insurance providers.
Medicare is the most well-known federal health insurance program for the people of people 65 or older than that. It is basically designed for the hose with certain disabilities like hearing issues.
But when the term comes to getting the best & affordable service from hearing aids, many patients have a query on does Medicare cover hearing aids.
No! Medicare is very clear about this fact on its official Medicare coverage website. Original Medicare parts like Parts A and B, don’t offer any advantage for hearing care or the cost of hearing aids. You can expect to pay the full cost of the hearing aids.
Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
The Original Medicare doesn’t include hearing aids mainly due to low cost at the time when Medicare was first introduced. In 1965, a few people were found to suffer from deep hearing-related problems, and for that hearing aid devices could be found at a very affordable cost. To this end, The Medicare Act of 1965 excluded hearing aid coverage from their premises.
In 1965, the lifespan of the rationale at that time was shorter than today thus so fewer people had age-related hearing loss. This reduced the need for hearing aids. Consequently, Medicare didn’t feel important to include hearing aids.
Is There Any Plan To Cover Medicare Hearing Aids In The Future?
Probably yes! Though hearing aids are not covered by Medicare Original Plans at the present time, they could change in the future.
An essential piece of legislation H.R.5376 Build Back Better was introduced in 2021. The bill has already been passed by the House. Once the bill was reviewed by the Senate, Medicare would expand its service on hearing aids and hearing care in the earlier e October of 2023.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Tests?
Yes! Medicare Part B covers hearing exams since it is approved by the primary care doctor or another physician. That means, if your audiologist or physician suggests you have a hearing aid as a treatment, only then you can take advantage of the hearing exams under the Medicare Part B coverage.
Medicare Part B is an essential part of healthcare, in which millions of people over 65 or older than that are getting benefits. But when the fact is about hearing aids, this part doesn’t include that. Hence, Medicare will cover the cost of the diagnostic hearing tests but this can be done only by the referral of a certified physician.
Alternatives To Medicare For Hearing Aid Coverage & Hearing Tests
If you are hunting for the best alternative to Medicare that will cover your hearing care needs, here are some effective sections that you can head to:
#Medicaid
Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is also a federally funded program for older people with physical disabilities. It provides health care coverage for hearing care and hearing aids to eligible older adults and low-income people.
The fact will also depend on your age and the state you are residing. To know whether you are eligible for hearing aid coverage, navigate to medicaid.gov.
#Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage Plan is also known as the Part C of Medicare which is run by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. Plan C offers all the other parts (A & B) of Original Medicare including all their benefits and services.
To this end, you can get exclusive coverage on hearing aids and even all related health care. But this may vary on different insurance providers and the exact plan you will receive. Thus before confirming, make sure you have asked your plan provider whether you will get coverage on hearing exams or even supplemental coverage as well.
#Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
HLAA is the leading nonprofit organization in the nation, highly dedicated to consumers with hearing loss. The organization is running with the goal of opening a world of communication with hearing loss sufferers by providing needed information, support, and advocacy.
What Medicare Advantage Plan Covers Hearing Aids?
Several insurers in the nation offer Medicare Advantage plans to cover hearing aids and hearing care. Here is the list of the best insurers that provide all the advantages for hearing care including hearing testing and hearing aids.
| Insurers | Hearing aid cost |
| Humana | Advanced level: $199 to $699Premium level: $699 to $999 |
| Aetna | Price ranges from $999-$1999 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $699 to $999 |
| AARP | $699 per hearing aid |
FAQs
Does Medigap cover hearing aids?
No! Medicare Supplement plans or Medigap doesn’t cover hearing aids. Yet you can take advantage of the diagnostic hearing exam if your doctor suggests you a test as a part of your treatment plan.
How To Enroll In A Medicare Advantage Plan?
First, ensure you are eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B. If so, complete the enrollment during your initial enrollment period. Once done, now you can apply for a Medical Advantage Plan on any of the dates on October 15 to December 7 each year.
In Closing!
Medicare is an effective program to cover all costs of various medical services. But the fact is enough different when it is Medicare coverage for hearing aids. Still, if one doesn’t want to pay out-of-pocket for your hearing aid, buying a Medicare Advantage plan will certainly be a good deal for them!!!