The Hidden Truth About Medicare and Hearing Aids
You’re not alone. With hearing aids costing anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 per pair, finding coverage options is a major concern for many seniors.


Key Takeaways That Might Surprise You:
- The coverage gap is real – Medicare pays nothing while some Advantage plans offer thousands.
- Not all hearing aids are created equal – Technology tiers affect both benefits and clarity.
- Provider networks can be surprisingly restrictive – Your audiologist might not be covered.
- Timing matters more than you think – Wrong plan could mean years waiting for replacements.
- The hearing aid landscape is changing rapidly – New legislation and OTC option opportunities.
Understanding the Hearing Coverage Gap in Original Medicare

Even then, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the Part B deductible and a hospital copayment if the exam is done in an outpatient setting.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Fill the Hearing Aid Coverage Gap
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation data cited in several sources, most Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and exams, though that coverage is limited and varies significantly by plan.

What Hearing Benefits Do Medicare Advantage Plans Typically Cover?
- Routine hearing exams: Many plans cover annual hearing checkups with low or zero copayments.
- Hearing aid fittings and evaluations: Coverage for professional services to ensure your hearing aids work properly for your specific hearing needs.
- Hearing aids: Partial or full coverage for the devices themselves, often with limitations on:
- Dollar amount (annual allowance)
- Frequency (how often you can get new hearing aids)
- Types or technology levels covered
- Brand restrictions
Follow-up care: Some plans cover adjustments and maintenance services.

Coverage Limits and Restrictions
Dollar Amount Limitations
Some plans from major insurers offer more generous coverage. For example, Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plan offers hearing aid coverage of up to $2,000 per ear.
Frequency Limitations
Some plans only cover new hearing aids every three years, so consider how often you might need replacements when choosing a plan.
Technology Level and Copayment Structure
Expect different copayments based on the level of digital technology — typically basic, standard, advanced and premium levels. Copays may start around $699 for an advanced-level hearing aid and $999 for a premium-level hearing aid.
For instance, The Humana Gold Plus HMO Medicare Advantage plan has a different breakdown of benefits. Annual hearing exams have a $0 copay. An “advanced” level hearing aid has a $699 copay per ear, per year while a “premium” level hearing aid has a $999 copay per hearing aid, per year.
Brand and Provider Restrictions
- Aetna offers Medicare Advantage plans with a hearing benefit. They teamed up with NationsHearing to provide hearing exams and hearing aid benefits.
- UnitedHealthcare offers access to one of the largest national networks of hearing professionals with more than 6,500 locations and a broad selection of over-the-counter (OTC) and brand-name prescription hearing aids.
- Humana partners with TruHearing and offers excellent low-cost, high-end Signia hearing aids and nothing else.

How to Find Medicare Advantage Plans with Hearing Aid Coverage
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder: Type your zip code into the Medicare Plan Finder and click Medicare Advantage Plan under Plan Type for plans in your area. A green check mark notes plans that include hearing benefits. Then click Plan Details and scroll down to Extra Benefits.
- Contact insurance companies directly: Call different insurance providers to ask about their Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits.
- Work with a Medicare insurance broker or advisor: These professionals can help you compare different plans based on your specific needs.
- Check with your audiologist or hearing care provider: If a senior is already working with an audiologist or other hearing care provider, it’s a good idea to ask the provider which Medicare Advantage plans are accepted at that clinic.
When Can You Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan with Hearing Benefits?
- Initial Enrollment Period: When you first become eligible for Medicare
- Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7 each year
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31 each year (only if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan)
- Special Enrollment Periods: Available in certain situations like moving to a new area

What to Consider When Choosing a Plan for Hearing Aid Coverage
- Your specific hearing needs: If you already know what type of hearing aids you need, make sure they’re covered by the plan.
- Provider network: Check whether your preferred audiologist or hearing aid specialist is in-network.
- Coverage limits: Look at the annual allowance, how often you can get new hearing aids, and any brand restrictions.
- Copayments and cost-sharing: Understand what you’ll pay out-of-pocket for different levels of hearing aid technology.
- Overall plan benefits and costs: Remember that hearing benefits are just one aspect of Medicare Advantage plans. Consider premiums, deductibles, other benefits, and provider networks for all your healthcare needs.
The Growing Importance of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
These devices are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and are generally more affordable than prescription hearing aids.

Companies like MDHearing, Eargo, Lexie Hearing, and Audicus offer OTC hearing aids, and some are working to increase coverage through Medicare Advantage plans.
Potential Future Changes to Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage
While the outcome of these efforts remains to be seen, they indicate growing recognition of the importance of hearing health for seniors.
Making the Most of Your Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits
The key is understanding exactly what’s covered under different plans and choosing one that best meets your hearing needs and budget.

Ready to explore your Medicare Advantage options? Contact Senior Benefit Services today for a free consultation. Our Medicare specialists can help you compare plans and find coverage that meets your hearing needs and budget. Call 1-800-924-4727 or visit our website at seniorbenefitclient.com to get started