Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Options in 2026

Option 1: Medicare Advantage With a Hearing Benefit

The most comprehensive coverage option is enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a hearing benefit. About 60% of available Medicare Advantage plans nationally include some level of hearing aid coverage. Benefits typically include one routine hearing exam per year plus an annual hearing aid allowance, which can range from a few hundred dollars to $3,000 or more per plan year.

Coverage levels vary significantly by plan. Some plans cover only basic hearing aids at low-tier providers; others cover premium devices at any licensed audiologist. To compare plans with hearing benefits in your area, use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7).

Option 2: OTC Hearing Aids (No Prescription Needed)

Following the FDA's 2022 ruling, adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can now purchase FDA-cleared hearing aids over the counter without seeing an audiologist. OTC hearing aids are sold at major retailers including Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Best Buy, as well as directly from manufacturers online.

Prices typically range from $100 to $1,500 per pair. Some of the more popular OTC brands include Sony CRE, Jabra Enhance, Eargo, and Apple's AirPods Pro with Hearing Aid Mode (which received FDA authorization in 2024). These devices are appropriate for adults who perceive mild to moderate hearing difficulty — not for children or adults with severe, sudden, or asymmetric hearing loss.

Option 3: Costco Hearing Center

Costco Hearing Center is one of the most popular options for Medicare beneficiaries who need prescription-grade hearing aids but don't have insurance coverage. Costco's hearing center prices are typically $1,400–$2,000 per pair — often 50–70% less than the same brands sold at private audiology practices.

Costco employs licensed hearing aid dispensers and offers major hearing aid brands including Philips, Rexton, and Jabra (GN Audio). The trade-off is that you need a Costco membership ($65/year). Consumer Reports and other independent reviewers have consistently given Costco high marks for hearing care value.

Option 4: VA Hearing Benefits for Veterans

Veterans who receive health care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may be eligible for hearing aids at little or no cost through VA services. Veterans with service-connected hearing loss are prioritized, but veterans who have experienced any hearing loss related to military service — or who meet VA income thresholds — may also qualify.

The VA provides hearing aids, batteries, and follow-up care through its audiology services. If you are a veteran and have questions about VA hearing benefits, contact your nearest VA medical center or visit VA.gov/health-care.

Option 5: Medicaid and State Programs

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (often called being 'dual-eligible'), your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Medicaid hearing aid benefits vary by state — some states cover hearing aids for all Medicaid-eligible adults, while others cover aids only for children or those in specific categories.

Check with your state's Medicaid agency or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor (free assistance, available in every state) to learn what your state covers.

Frequently Asked Questions