Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the exams to fit them. It does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor orders them to decide treatment for a medical condition. For hearing aids themselves, many Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing benefit, and over-the-counter hearing aids (available without a prescription since 2022) are an option for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
What Original Medicare covers
Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other provider orders them to see whether you need medical treatment. It does not cover routine hearing exams or the hearing aids themselves.
How to get help with hearing aids
- Medicare Advantage: many plans include a hearing benefit with an allowance toward aids and fittings.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids: available without a prescription for mild-to-moderate loss, often at lower cost.
- Some states and community programs offer assistance for those who qualify.
Frequently asked questions
Will Medicare ever pay for my hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids. A Medicare Advantage plan with a hearing benefit may cover part of the cost — check the plan’s allowance and network.
Are over-the-counter hearing aids any good?
OTC hearing aids, available since 2022, are intended for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and can be a lower-cost option. For more significant loss, see an audiologist.
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Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.