How Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
June 4, 2024 | Todd Lewison
As we age, it’s common for our senses to be less sharp than they once were. You may have a more challenging time reading the text in your novel, or you might find yourself asking the grandkids to repeat what they said for the 3rd time. If your hearing is starting to cause complications in your day-to-day life, you may consider getting hearing aids to help alleviate the difficulty of hearing those around you. If you are, then you are likely wondering, ‘Does Medicare cover hearing aids? ‘ We hear this question often from the medicare clients we work with, so we are filling you in on what you need to know when it comes to Medicare and hearing aid coverage.
According to the National Council on Aging, hearing loss is a prevalent condition among older adults, affecting a significant portion of the population. In fact, it’s estimated that 68% of Americans in their 70s and a staggering 90% in their 80s and older experience some degree of hearing loss. This demonstrates the importance of understanding your options for hearing aid coverage.
How Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Original Medicare and Hearing Aids
Unfortunately, Original Medicare (comprised of Medicare Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids. This means that if you require hearing aids or simply want to use them, you will have to bear the cost of purchasing them, as well as any related examinations, fittings and adjustments, out of your pocket.
Do Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans Cover Hearing Aids?
Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap policies, do not typically cover the cost of hearing aids. These plans tend to follow the coverage guidelines of Original Medicare, and when it comes to hearing aids, the costs will be the beneficiary’s responsibility.
Hearing Aid Coverage with Medicare Advantage Plans
There are many Medicare Advantage Plans (MA/MAPD) that do provide coverage for hearing aids. You can elect to enroll in Medicare Advantage plans that provide additional coverage beyond original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that are approved to offer Medicare plans. The hearing aid coverage provided by Medicare Advantage plans will vary depending on the insurance company and plan selected. For example, here are some things that will vary:
- Hearing aid models
- Coverage type (copay, reimbursement, allowance)
- Network of hearing providers and clinics
Because hearing aid coverage can vary significantly from one plan to the next, it’s important to understand the benefits of your plan and compare the coverage to other options. This is particularly important if one of the main factors of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan is for additional coverage, such as hearing, vision or dental benefits.
Find Out More: Does Your Medicare Advantage Plan Offer Extra Benefits?
Getting the Medicare Coverage For Your Needs
Determining what type of Medicare coverage and Medicare plan is right for you can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. The highly experienced team at Twin City Underwriters is here to help you every step of the way. We understand that each person has unique needs and preferences, which is why we take the time to guide you through your Medicare options and help you enroll in a plan that is most suitable for your specific situation. Whether you need assistance understanding when to sign up for Medicare, what type of plan you should choose, or how to enroll, our team is dedicated to providing you with the support and expertise you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Twin City Underwriters helps Medicare recipients in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Florida find the Medicare plan that meets their unique needs. Attend an online Medicare webinar, in-person Medicare workshop, or schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our Medicare insurance brokers to get your questions answered!
Do you need help with Medicare, insurance and health plans? Explore your options with Allina Health Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota, Medica, UCare, United HealthCare and more. We work with you to find the best plan for your needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.
