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For those who have served in the military and their families, navigating hearing aid coverage under TRICARE or TRICARE for Life can be a complex and confusing task. If you've been unsure about your coverage, you're not alone.
We’re here to break it down and answer some of the most common questions.
TRICARE is the official health care program for:
While TRICARE originated with three plans, it’s since grown to offer many plans to accommodate its many members and their dependents.
In most cases, TRICARE does not cover hearing aids for retirees or their family members. [1] Active-duty service members may receive hearing aids if deemed medically necessary. TRICARE will cover hearing aids and related services for children of retired service members. However, the child needs to meet several requirements, including meeting specific hearing loss and medical criteria and being enrolled in the TRICARE Prime or US Family Health Plan. They also need a living sponsor. [2]
It's important to note that TRICARE for Life does not cover hearing aids, although there are some unique exceptions. While this program helps fill in some of the gaps left by Medicare, hearing aids are not part of its standard benefits. Understanding these limitations can help you manage expectations and plan for alternative coverage options.
TRICARE for Life provides secondary coverage to Medicare. This means it’s a secondary payer to Medicare for those who are TRICARE-eligible. Medicare pays first, and then TRICARE for Life may cover some or all of the remaining costs. But since Medicare also does not cover hearing aids, TRICARE for Life usually will not as well.
That’s why we’re seeing people start to compare TRICARE for Life vs Medicare Advantage plans, which do offer hearing aid benefits.
Note: TRICARE for Life can only be used by those who are TRICARE-eligible and have both Medicare Part A and Part B. It doesn’t extend to family members.
Our Amplifon Hearing Health Care team is here to guide you through hearing benefits so you can get the assistance you need. Here are a few more questions we receive:
Yes! If you’re a military retiree or spouse and find yourself without hearing aid coverage, you may still have options:
Find a nearby military hospital or clinic.
Hearing aids may not be covered under TRICARE for Life and Medicare. However, you still have plenty of options, and there are organizations that can help! If you’re stuck comparing plans or want a little extra guidance, Amplifon Hearing Health Care exists as a resource to put you on the path towards healthy hearing.
We partner with and work alongside health plans and providers for more accessible and affordable hearing care coverage.
Want personalized help finding the right hearing care option? Check your insurance benefits to see what coverage you have. Then, connect with our dedicated team at Amplifon Hearing Health Care to explore solutions that work for your needs, even when your plan doesn’t.
Knowing if you have hearing insurance is easy.
Sources
1. TRICARE. “Covered Services.” Retrieved from https://tricare.mil/hearingaids
2. TRICARE. “Covered Services.” Retrieved from https://tricare.mil/hearingaids
3. TRICARE. “TRICARE for Life.” Retrieved from https://tricare.mil/tfl
4. Veterans Affairs. “Hearing Aids” Retrieved from https://www.prosthetics.va.gov/psas/hearing_aids.asp
5. TRICARE. “Covered Services.” Retrieved from https://tricare.mil/coveredservices/isitcovered/hearingaids?p=1
6. Hearing Loss Association of America. “Financial Assistance.” Retrieved from https://www.hearingloss.org/find-help/financial-assistance/
