Hearing Insurance

We’ll help you find Medicare coverage that supports your hearing health.

Hearing loss is a common health concern among older adults and can significantly impact quality of life. While hearing care is essential for maintaining independence, safety, and social connection, Original Medicare offers limited coverage for hearing-related services.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine hearing exams, hearing aids, or fittings. This lack of coverage can result in high out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries who need assistance with hearing loss.

Medicare Part B may cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams, but only when they are ordered by a doctor or healthcare provider to determine if medical treatment is needed. However, the actual hearing aids and related services are not covered under Original Medicare.

Expanding Your Medicare Coverage for Hearing Care

If you're looking to enhance your Medicare benefits to include hearing support, here are a few options that can help close the gap:

Medicare Advantage (Part C):
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits not included with Original Medicare, including coverage for hearing exams, hearing aids, and fittings. These benefits vary by plan, so it’s important to compare options based on your needs and location.

Hearing-Specific Discount Plans:
Some private companies offer hearing discount programs that can reduce the cost of hearing aids and exams when you use participating providers. These are not insurance plans, but they may provide meaningful savings.



State & Community Programs:
Certain state or nonprofit programs provide financial assistance for hearing aids and services. These programs may be income-based and require an application process.

Key Considerations for Hearing Coverage

When exploring hearing care options, it’s helpful to keep the following in mind:

• Assess Your Needs: Consider your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, and how frequently you’ll need exams, devices, or maintenance.

• Check Provider Networks: If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing coverage, confirm that your audiologist or hearing care provider is in-network.

• Compare Plan Benefits: Coverage amounts, copays, and the types of hearing aids covered can vary widely between plans.

• Know the Limits: Many plans place annual caps on hearing aid benefits, so be sure to understand what’s included and what you might pay out of pocket.
  

Timing Your Enrollment

You can typically join or change a Medicare Advantage plan that includes hearing benefits when you first start on Medicare Part B or when you become eligible for one of these annual enrollment periods:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 to March 31

Important:  During these enrollment periods, it is vital to let us know of your desire to include or change a hearing benefit, or any benefit important to you. We will compare your current plan with other plans in your service area, then select or change to a plan that ensures all your personal needs are addressed.