Understanding Medicare & Medicaid Coverage for Hearing Aids

What you need to know—without the jargon

Hearing health is essential to quality of life. Yet, for many people, the cost of hearing aids or related services can be a barrier. When navigating insurance and public benefits, Medicare and Medicaid are often top of mind—but coverage is complicated, limited, and varies by circumstance. This post breaks down what’s covered today, what’s changing, and how you can plan ahead.

Medicare: What’s Covered—and What’s Not

Original Medicare (Parts A & B)

• Hearing aids and fittings:

  Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine hearing aids or the exams to fit them.



• Diagnostic hearing and balance exams:

  Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance assessments if ordered by a physician or qualified provider to evaluate a medical condition (for example, dizziness or suspected inner-ear disease). You would typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible (and possibly a facility copay if done in an outpatient setting).

In short, under Original Medicare, hearing aids themselves are out-of-pocket.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers under contract with Medicare, and many offer supplemental benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers. That can include coverage for hearing-related services such as:

• Hearing screenings
• Hearing aid allowances or device discounts
• Fitting and adjustment services
• Batteries, repairs, or replacement (depending on plan)

Coverage varies widely from plan to plan—eligibility rules, replacement frequency, co-pays, and vendor restrictions differ. Always check the specific Medicare Advantage plan’s benefit details.

Legislative Changes on the Horizon

A significant development to watch is the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500), introduced in Congress in 2025. If passed and implemented, it would remove Medicare’s exclusion for hearing aids and related exams, with coverage for eligible individuals beginning January 1, 2026.

Until any law is enacted and implemented, current rules remain in effect, but this signals potential change.

Medicaid: What You Might Expect (State by State)

Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is a joint federal–state program, so hearing coverage for adults varies greatly by state.

Coverage for Children (Under 21)

By federal law, hearing services (including hearing aids) are typically covered under Medicaid for children under age 21 via the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. States must cover necessary treatment, including hearing devices and related services, when medically necessary.

Coverage for Adults (21 and Over)

• Some states: cover hearing aids, fittings, repairs, and replacements (sometimes with cost sharing or limits).
• Other states: limit Medicaid coverage to diagnostic tests or only certain conditions (e.g., sudden hearing loss).
• Several states: provide minimal or no coverage for adults’ hearing aids.
• Prior authorization: Some programs require documentation of medical necessity or prior authorization for devices or services.

If you’re dual-eligible (covered by both Medicare and Medicaid), Medicaid in many states may cover aspects of hearing care that Medicare does not.

Strategies and Tips to Maximize Coverage and Affordability

Practical tips to help patients (or caregivers) navigate the maze:

Review plan documents carefully
For Medicare Advantage, examine the “extra benefits” section for hearing—how many devices are covered, replacement frequency, co-pays, and vendor limitations.

Ask for medical necessity documentation
A physician referral or documented hearing loss can strengthen a coverage claim; some plans require this.

Explore state-specific programs or waivers
Some states offer assistive-device waivers or special hearing programs under Medicaid.

Look for nonprofit or assistance programs
Organizations may provide grants or subsidies for hearing aids to qualifying individuals.

Consider over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids
OTC devices, now regulated by the FDA for adults with perceived mild-to-moderate loss, can be lower-cost options; they may not be covered by Medicare or Medicaid.

Budget for out-of-pocket costs
Use HSAs, supplemental plans, or payment arrangements to reduce financial strain.

Collaborate with your hearing care provider
Providers can assist with paperwork, benefit interpretation, and recommending device options that maximize value under a given plan.

We’re Here to Help

Navigating Medicare and Medicaid coverage for hearing aids can feel overwhelming, especially with rules that vary by plan and by state. At Beltone, we guide patients from checking benefits to finding the right hearing aid for lifestyle and budget. Better hearing starts with knowledge—and you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to understand what’s available to you (or a loved one) can make hearing care more affordable and accessible. Whether through Medicare Advantage benefits, state Medicaid programs, nonprofit assistance, or OTC options, there are paths to better hearing. If in doubt, reach out to a hearing care professional for personalized help.