Does Medicare or Insurance Cover Hearing Aids? (2025)

Although hearing loss can have far-reaching implications for overall health and quality of life, research shows only about one in seven people who have trouble hearing seek treatment. While many other health conditions are covered by private health insurance, Medicaid, or Medicare, this isn’t always the case when it comes to hearing loss—which may deter people from seeking hearing care.

Insurance coverage for hearing aids may be sparse, but let’s look at what insurance providers, government leaders, advocacy organizations, and hearing aid companies are doing to help improve insurance coverage for hearing aids. We’ll also explain how you can save money on hearing aids if your insurance company doesn’t provide coverage.

Does insurance cover hearing aids?

This is a very nuanced question, and the answer is: it depends. We break it down below.

Which states require insurance companies to cover hearing aids?

Health care laws in 20 states require insurance companies to pay for hearing aids for children. Still, only five states mandate insurance coverage of hearing aids for adults, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Check the list of the five states below:

• Arkansas
• Connecticut
• Illinois
• New Hampshire
• Rhode Island

Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare coverage

Insurance rarely covers hearing aids fully. While some private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid benefits, they are often limited. Standard Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids, and Medicaid coverage varies by state.

Medicare coverage for hearing aids

• Original Medicare: Parts A and B do not cover hearing aids. Part B may cover hearing aid exams if ordered by your doctor.
• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Many plans include hearing aid benefits, but coverage varies. Contact your plan provider for details.

Medicaid coverage

Medicaid covers hearing aids in some states, but eligibility and benefits vary widely. The Hearing Loss Association of America explains the types of hearing health coverage Medicaid offers by state.

Tricare

Tricare, the health plan for military service members and their families, covers the cost of hearing aids if you meet certain criteria. It does not cover the cost for retirees.

Private insurance coverage for hearing aids

Here is what some of the most popular plans can offer:

Aetna

Some Aetna plans include hearing benefits if hearing aids are deemed medically necessary.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

Coverage varies by state. Federal Employee Program (FEP) members may qualify for up to $2,500 every five years for hearing aids and discounted rates through the Blue365 program.

Cigna

Certain Cigna plans offer hearing benefits. Contact your provider for plan-specific details.

Humana

Many Humana Medicare Advantage plans bundle vision, dental, and hearing benefits under the Humana Extend option.

United Healthcare

United Healthcare covers hearing aids for major prescription brands and offers a hearing test and provider locator service online.

Other ways to fund your hearing aids

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Since the FDA approved OTC hearing aids in October 2022, they’ve become a more affordable option for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, ranging in price from $99–$2,500 per pair.

Discount programs and financing options for hearing aids

If your insurance doesn’t offer hearing aid benefits, here are other ways to lower costs:

• AARP Hearing Aid Discounts: Free exams, 20% off hearing aids, and 15% off accessories for members with United Healthcare coverage.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Use pre-tax dollars to pay for hearing aids.
• Financing Plans: Many clinics and OTC brands, like Lexie Hearing and Audicus, offer payment plans to spread out costs.

Government and assistance programs

• Veterans benefits: The VA provides free hearing exams, hearing aids, and supplies for enrolled veterans.
• Lions Club: The Lions Club offers discounted Rexton hearing aids. Contact your local chapter for details.
• Indian Health Service (IHS): IHS provides hearing care for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
• State vocational rehabilitation programs: These programs may cover hearing aids for individuals who need them for employment.

Charities and nonprofits

• Miracle-Ear Foundation
• Help America Hear
• Hearing Aid Project
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Hearing Industries Association
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders

How to check if your insurance plan provides coverage

When contacting your insurance provider, have the following ready:

• Insurance ID number
• Audiogram and prescription (if applicable)
• List of hearing aid models you’re considering

Ask these key questions:

1. Does my plan cover hearing aids or hearing exams?
2. How much coverage is provided, and how often can I replace hearing aids?
3. Are both OTC and prescription hearing aids covered?
4. Are there network restrictions or deductibles?

Why trust Aging in Place

The team at Aging in Place knows hearing aids. We’ve deeply researched and tested to ensure we can give you accurate information on hearing aids, including when to get them, finding a good deal, and taking care of your devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the resources above for organizations, like the Hearing Aid Project and Help America Hear, that provide free or low-cost hearing aids to people who need them. You may also qualify for Medicaid, which provides payment for hearing aids in some states. Certain insurance carriers that administer Medicaid benefits may also offer better hearing aid coverage than Medicaid alone.

Medicare Parts A and B do not pay for hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) do include hearing aid coverage.

Hearing aids are considered an optional expense by some insurance companies, so they aren’t included with standard health coverage in many plans.