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Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

By Erica Block

Erica Block

Erica Block was an Editorial Fellow. She combines her interest in healthcare policy with her penchant for creating online content.

Updated on January 21st, 2021

Reviewed by Diane Omdahl

Diane Omdahl Expert Reviewer

Diane Omdahl has been helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare for more than three decades. She is a nationally recognized Medicare expert, a registered nurse, serial entrepreneur, and has served as a technical expert for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (the organization that runs the Medicare program). She is a frequent speaker on Medicare-related issues. She has been featured in many national publications, including the Washington Post, CBS MoneyWatch, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal Market Watch, Kiplinger, and many more. Her most recent startup, 65 Incorporated, helps people 65 and older get the clear, correct, complete, and credible information they need to make important Medicare decisions. She is also the architect behind the i65 Medicare optimization software suite. i65 enables financial advisors to help clients make smart Medicare decisions.

In this Article

Coverage Varies By State Medicare Medicaid Veterans’ Benefits Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) + Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) Taking the Next Steps

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While most private health insurance companies do not cover the cost of hearing aids, there are a few policies that do. Although the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover the cost of audiological exams, the law does not require providers to cover the cost of hearing aid devices.

Check with your insurance provider to find out if your plan includes coverage for hearing aids.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans with hearing problems, having coverage for hearing aids can save you a bundle – hearing aids can range in price from $1,599 for a basic pair to $6,499 for a premium pair.

Because consumer demand for these devices is on the rise, insurance coverage for hearing aids is slowly becoming more common and a number of states have proposed legislation to help people cover their cost. Also, some insurance plans offer discounts on hearing aids purchased through certain suppliers.

Coverage Varies By State

About 22 states in the U.S. require insurers to cover all or some of the cost of hearing aids for children under the age of 18, but only five – Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Arkansas – require health insurance plans to offer similar coverage for adults. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) details coverage policies for each state.

Medicare

In general, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover the cost of hearing aids, routine hearing exams, or device fittings.

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) cover hearing exams and hearing aids.

Medicaid

Medicaid coverage varies by state. Some state Medicaid programs offer hearing-related benefits, including coverage for hearing aids; other states don’t. The Hearing Loss Association of America website lists state-specific information regarding Medicaid coverage for hearing aids.

Veterans’ Benefits

VA healthcare benefits include coverage for hearing aids if a veteran’s hearing loss is connected to their military service, or related to a medical condition for which they’re receiving treatment at a VA hospital. Veterans can also get hearing aids through the VA if their hearing loss is severe enough so as to interfere with their daily activities and functioning.

Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) + Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Most FSAs and HSAs allow policyholders to be reimbursed for the cost of hearing aids and batteries. Unlike FSAs, money in your HSA accumulates from year to year, allowing you to save toward the cost.

Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA)

HRAs are funded through the workplace, so it is the prerogative of your employer to determine if hearing aids and batteries are reimbursable expenses. Check with your company’s benefits administrator or HR department to find out if hearing aids are considered a qualifying expense.

Taking the Next Steps

If hearing aids are a frequent necessity, then consider finding a plan that provides coverage for it. 

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