Will Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids?
Original Medicare will not pay for hearing aids or the routine hearing exams needed to fit them. This is one of the most significant coverage gaps in traditional Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans do cover hearing aids, and FDA-approved OTC hearing aids now offer an affordable alternative for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does NOT pay for hearing aids — this is excluded by law
- Medicare DOES pay for a diagnostic hearing exam if your doctor orders it as medically necessary
- Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids through an annual allowance
- OTC hearing aids ($100–$1,500) are available without a prescription since October 2022
- Costco Hearing Center offers prescription aids at lower prices ($1,400–$2,000) without insurance
The Definitive Answer: What Medicare Pays and What It Doesn't
The Social Security Act explicitly excludes hearing aids and exams for fitting hearing aids from Medicare coverage. This exclusion has been in place since Medicare began in 1965 and has not been changed by subsequent legislation. As a result, Original Medicare — Parts A and B — pays nothing toward the cost of hearing aids, regardless of the severity of your hearing loss or your doctor's recommendation that you need them.
There is one exception: if your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing exam to determine whether a hearing-related medical problem (such as sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or suspected acoustic neuroma) exists, Medicare Part B may cover that diagnostic exam after your Part B deductible.
What Exactly Is a Diagnostic Hearing Exam?
A diagnostic hearing exam is distinct from a routine hearing screening or a hearing aid fitting. To be covered by Medicare, the hearing exam must be ordered by a physician as part of diagnosing or treating a medical condition, and the purpose must be to identify or monitor a medical problem — not to determine what type of hearing aid to recommend.
For example, if you report sudden or rapid hearing loss to your doctor, and your doctor orders an audiological exam to rule out a tumor or other medical cause, that exam may be covered. But if you simply want to know your current hearing level so you can shop for hearing aids, that exam is not covered.
Alternatives When Medicare Won't Pay
If Original Medicare won't cover your hearing aids, you have several alternatives worth exploring. The most impactful option for ongoing coverage is switching to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a hearing benefit during the next Annual Enrollment Period (October 15–December 7).
OTC hearing aids, now available at major retailers since the FDA's 2022 ruling, provide an accessible alternative for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices range from $100 to $1,500 per pair and can be purchased at CVS, Walmart, Best Buy, and online without visiting an audiologist.
Costco Hearing Center is another popular option for those with moderate to severe hearing loss who need prescription-grade devices: Costco's prices are typically $1,400–$2,000/pair — significantly below the $4,000–$7,000 prices common at private audiology practices — and quality is generally well-regarded.
Hearing Aid Options When Medicare Won't Pay
| Option | Estimated Cost | Who It's Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OTC hearing aids (Walmart, CVS, Best Buy) | $100–$1,500/pair | Mild to moderate hearing loss |
| Costco Hearing Center | $1,400–$2,000/pair | Moderate to moderately-severe loss; price-conscious |
| Private audiologist + prescription aid | $2,000–$7,000/pair | Severe/profound loss; complex fitting needs |
| Medicare Advantage with hearing benefit | Depends on plan allowance | Anyone eligible for MA who can switch plans |
| VA hearing aids (if eligible) | Often free or low cost | Veterans with service-connected or other qualifying conditions |
Does Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Cover Hearing Aids?
No. Medigap policies (Medicare Supplement insurance) fill in the gaps in Original Medicare — such as Part B coinsurance and deductibles — but they do not cover services that Original Medicare itself excludes. Since Original Medicare excludes hearing aids, Medigap plans provide no hearing aid coverage. Medigap is not the solution for this coverage gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for hearing tests?
Will Medicare pay for hearing aids if my doctor says I need them?
Does Medicare Part D cover hearing aids?
Can I appeal Medicare's denial of hearing aid coverage?
Sources
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