Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Last update on Oct, 30, 2023

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. 

How To Know What Your Plan Covers

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

Ready for an Easier Option?

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We recommend using our online hearing benefit checker tool. At Amplifon, we offer a safe, convenient, and quick way to understand your benefits, ask questions, and get real human (not bot) support on what your hearing benefit entails.

Check your benefits

How It Works

Visit our online Check Your Benefits tool. After entering a few details about yourself and your health plan, you’ll get a call back from an Amplifon Patient Care Advocate.

This dedicated (and knowledgeable) individual will let you know whether you currently have a hearing benefit and what it covers.

The best part? This service is completely free of charge with no obligation.

Finding the Right Hearing Insurance for Seniors

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.

Why Is Hearing Health So Important?

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.

Dr. Tedeschi

Expert Q&A

Dr. Thomas J. Tedeschi

Chief of Audiology

We recently sat down with Dr. Tedeschi, one of our in-house audiologists, for questions about medicare hearing aids for seniors and important considerations to make before choosing the right coverage.

Q: Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

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.

Q: How Do I Know My Plan Offers the Right Coverage?

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.

Q: What Else Should I Consider?

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.

Q: Which Plans Do You Recommend?

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).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

Q: When Is Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans?

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

Find Support & Know Your Benefits

If you're concerned about your hearing, it's important to have access to the best hearing healthcare possible.

At Amplifon, we are committed to helping you understand your hearing benefit and find a provider near you. We are always here to provide answers to questions throughout your hearing health journey.

We want you to experience peace of mind knowing that you have a comprehensive hearing health care plan in place that meets your specific needs. 

Couple speaking to hearing care specialist

Get answers to your hearing care questions

Browse our resources below, take a free online hearing quiz, or check your benefits today!

1Based on internal 2022 MSRP analysis. Your savings may vary.

2Care package details vary by plan. Exclusions and limitations may apply. Separate care packages may be available through your provider. These care packages are not included in your Amplifon benefit and may result in additional out-of-pocket cost. Contact Amplifon for details.

3Based on 2023 YTD CAHPS survey results for plans with hearing benefits. 

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