Financing Care

Free hearing aids

Last update on Oct, 04, 2023

Accessing free hearing aid support in the US

Hearing loss is a growing issue, affecting nearly 40 million American adults. Losing the ability to enjoy life's precious moments can have a negative impact on our quality of life. However, there are resources available to support those dealing with hearing loss.

If you're wondering how to get free or low-cost hearing aids or have questions about your insurance benefits, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll explore how government programs, insurance providers, and charitable organizations offer hearing aids to those in need and how Amplifon can help you stay on top of your hearing health.

How to get free hearing aids

If you need hearing aids but are worried about the costs, there are many options available to you.

Many health insurance plans offer coverage for hearing aids, and some even provide them for little to no out-of-pocket expense.

Government programs like the Veterans Administration (VA) can help cover the cost of hearing aids for those who qualify. No-cost hearing aids for low-income adults, older adults, children, pregnant people, or those with disabilities may be available through Medicaid. However, it's important to note that whether hearing aids are covered by Medicaid depends on the specific coverage policies of your state.

In addition to these resources, working with a hearing care provider can also support you on your journey to better hearing by:

Assessing your hearing levels
Prescribing the best hearing aids for your needs
Fitting and adjusting your new hearing aids to ensure optimal comfort and performance

Woman looking in mirror with hearing aids

Insurance coverage for hearing aids

Your first step to getting hearing aids is understanding your insurance coverage. Good news! You can check your benefits right now to learn if you qualify for free or low-cost hearing aids.

Check your benefits

Hearing aid coverage by state

Some insurance providers may require a prescription from a licensed audiologist or physician before covering the cost of a hearing aid. It's important to check your insurance benefits to learn the criteria required for hearing aid coverage, as these conditions may differ depending on your state and health plan.

The following states mandate that hearing aids for children must be covered by health insurance:

Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont.

Wisconsin requires coverage for hearing aids and cochlear implants for children.

The following states mandate that hearing aids for children and adults must be covered by health insurance:

Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Minnesota.

For health plans that provide hearing aid coverage, the age range, amount of coverage, benefit period, and provider qualifications may vary depending on each state's policies.

Medicaid and Medicare coverage for hearing aids

Medicaid coverage

Medicaid is a government-funded program that provides health plan coverage to those with limited income or disability.

In some states, Medicaid coverage for hearing aids is available to eligible individuals. It's important to note that Medicaid coverage varies by state.

So, if you're considering getting hearing aids and want to know if Medicaid will cover the cost, you can check your benefits with Amplifon
to understand the specific eligibility criteria you must meet to receive coverage.

Medicare coverage

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids. Depending on the specific plan, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may cover hearing aids.

Medicare Advantage (MA) is a type of health insurance plan offered by private insurance companies that provides Medicare benefits to eligible individuals. Health plans contract with the federal government and administer Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, offering additional benefits such as vision, dental, and hearing aid coverage.

Recently, there has been a rise in the number of Medicare Advantage plans that include coverage for hearing aids and professional hearing services. To determine which MA plans provide this benefit, use our hearing benefit checker tool.

Once you provide some basic information about yourself and your health plan, an Amplifon Patient Care Advocate will contact you to discuss your hearing benefit and what it covers.

This no-obligation service is free of charge.

Free hearing aids for people with low incomes

There are service organizations and charities that offer free or low-cost hearing aids to income-qualified individuals. Let's explore a few.

Service organizations

Organizations that help with hearing aids may be community-based or international. One in particular that is helpful for those looking to acquire hearing aids is the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA).

This organization provides a range of resources and support for individuals with hearing loss, including information on hearing aids and how to acquire them.

They also offer advocacy services to help individuals with hearing loss navigate the healthcare system and access the necessary care.

The Miracle Ear Children's Foundation assists families with hearing-impaired children. Miracle-Ear centers across the nation offer new or reconditioned "Miracle-Ear" hearing aids and services at no cost to families with children up to 16 years old who are low income and are not eligible for public support.

To qualify for hearing aids and other services, the family must provide complete financial information for all individuals living in the same household.

In addition to these service organizations, some hearing aid manufacturers offer assistance programs to help individuals acquire hearing aids. These programs may include discounts, financing options, or other forms of support to help make hearing aids more affordable and accessible.

Charities and national organizations

Several charitable and non-profit organizations that help with hearing aids include:

• The Starkey Hearing Foundation—provides hearing aids to people in need nationally and internationally.
• The Hearing Aid Project—collects used hearing aids and donates them to people who cannot afford them.
• The Miracle-Ear Foundation—provides hearing aids and other hearing-related services to people in need.

Federal employees

Federal government employees may have access to specialized programs designed to support their hearing health through their employer-sponsored health plan.

Some federal employee health benefits may include coverage for the following:

• Hearing aids
• Hearing tests
• Other hearing-related services

Individuals in these groups should take advantage of these programs to ensure they receive the best possible care for their hearing.

Veterans hearing aid resources

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the primary option for veterans seeking healthcare services. The VA provides various medical services, including no-cost hearing aids for veterans who are eligible. To qualify for this benefit, veterans must first undergo specific tests and provide certain documents to determine their eligibility.

Learn more about getting free hearing aids through the VA.

Unlocking hearing aid assistance

Hearing aids can help improve life's precious moments, allowing you to hear the sounds of laughter, nature, music, and conversation with loved ones. Many insurance plans cover hearing aids, but it's critical to understand what your policy covers to make informed decisions about your healthcare.

Check your benefits