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Quick Answer
No, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. However, Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by a doctor. Many Medicare Advantage plans now include hearing aid benefits with allowances ranging from $250 to $2,500 per year. Since October 2022, over-the-counter hearing aids are available without a prescription for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, typically costing $100 to $2,000 per pair.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Part A & B) | Not Covered | Hearing aids explicitly excluded. Part B covers diagnostic exams and cochlear implants only. |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Varies by Plan | 73% of MA plans offer hearing benefits in 2026. Allowances range from $250 to $2,500/year. |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Not Covered | Only supplements Original Medicare benefits. Cannot add hearing aid coverage. |
| OTC Hearing Aids (No Rx) | Available to All | FDA-approved since Oct 2022 for mild-to-moderate loss. $100-$2,000/pair at retail. |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Hearing aids are explicitly excluded from Medicare coverage under Section 1862(a)(7) of the Social Security Act.
Exams for fitting or prescribing hearing aids are also not covered.
Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by a physician to evaluate a medical condition (not for the purpose of fitting a hearing aid).
Cochlear implants are covered by Medicare Part B when medically necessary, as they are classified as prosthetic devices rather than hearing aids.
Auditory brainstem implants are also covered as prosthetic devices when medically necessary.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Over 73% of Medicare Advantage plans offer some form of hearing benefit in 2026, according to KFF analysis.
Benefits vary significantly by plan and insurer. Some plans offer a fixed dollar allowance (typically $250 to $2,500 per year), while others offer copay-based pricing through hearing aid networks.
UnitedHealthcare AARP plans (2026): $1,249 copay per prescription hearing aid, up to 2 per year, through network providers. Includes routine hearing exam at no cost.
Humana plans: Standard TruHearing hearing aid for $699 copay, premium options available. Two hearing aids per year allowed.
Some plans now include OTC hearing aid coverage or allowances as part of their supplemental hearing benefit.
Always check your plan's Evidence of Coverage document for specific hearing aid brand restrictions, network requirements, and annual limits.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Medigap plans only supplement what Original Medicare already covers. Since Original Medicare excludes hearing aids, no Medigap plan provides hearing aid benefits.
Medigap plans will cover your share of costs for Medicare-covered diagnostic hearing exams (deductibles and coinsurance).
If you need hearing aid coverage and are choosing between Medigap and Medicare Advantage, this is an important factor to weigh. Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing benefits that Medigap cannot.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
Since October 2022, the FDA allows OTC hearing aids to be sold directly to adults 18+ with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss without a prescription, medical exam, or audiologist fitting.
OTC hearing aids typically cost $100 to $2,000 per pair, significantly less than prescription devices ($1,000 to $6,000+ per pair).
Top-rated OTC options in 2026 include Sony CRE-C20 (~$999), Jabra Enhance Select 700 (~$1,995/pair), Lexie B2 Plus (budget-friendly), and Apple AirPods Pro 3 (FDA-cleared hearing aid feature).
OTC hearing aids are designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss only. If you have severe or profound hearing loss, you still need prescription hearing aids fitted by an audiologist.
Some Medicare Advantage plans now cover OTC hearing aids as part of their hearing benefit allowance.
Hearing Aid Cost Comparison (2026)
| Option | Cost Range (Per Pair) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription hearing aids (without coverage) | $2,000 - $6,000+ | Professional fitting, programming, follow-up visits, warranty |
| Prescription hearing aids (with MA benefit) | $0 - $2,500 out-of-pocket | Varies by plan copay/allowance structure |
| OTC hearing aids (mid-range) | $500 - $2,000 | Self-fitting, app-based adjustment, manufacturer warranty |
| OTC hearing aids (budget) | $100 - $500 | Basic amplification, limited customization |
| Costco/warehouse hearing aids | $1,400 - $2,500 | Professional fitting, competitive pricing, limited brand selection |
| Hearing exam (out-of-pocket) | $50 - $250 | Audiogram, consultation (covered by Part B if diagnostic) |
✦ What Medicare Does Cover for Hearing
Diagnostic Hearing Exams (Part B)
Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by a physician to evaluate a medical condition such as sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or tinnitus. These must be medically necessary and performed by a qualified audiologist or physician.
Covered when medically necessary
Cochlear Implants (Part B)
Cochlear implants are covered by Medicare Part B as prosthetic devices when medically necessary for severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss. The implant surgery, device, programming, and rehabilitation therapy are all covered.
Covered as prosthetic device
OTC Hearing Aids (No Prescription Since 2022)
Since October 2022, the FDA allows OTC hearing aids to be sold directly to adults 18+ with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss without a prescription. Top-rated 2026 options include Sony CRE-C20 (~$999/pair), Jabra Enhance Select 700 (~$1,995/pair), and Apple AirPods Pro 3 (FDA-cleared hearing aid feature). Budget options start under $500.
$100-$2,000 per pair
Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits
Over 73% of MA plans offer hearing benefits in 2026. UnitedHealthcare AARP plans offer $1,249 copay per hearing aid (up to 2/year). Humana offers standard TruHearing aids for $699 copay. Some plans now cover OTC hearing aids as part of their supplemental benefit. Always check your Evidence of Coverage for specific limits and network requirements.
73% of MA plans offer hearing benefits
Medicare Hearing Aid Legislation Status
Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500)
ProposedIntroduced January 16, 2025 in the 119th Congress. Would amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove the statutory exclusion of hearing aids from Medicare coverage. No floor vote as of July 2026.
OTC Hearing Aid Rule (FDA)
PassedFDA finalized the OTC hearing aid rule in August 2022, effective October 2022. Adults 18+ with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can now purchase hearing aids without a prescription, exam, or audiologist fitting.
Ways to Save on Hearing Aids Without Medicare Coverage
Even though Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, multiple pathways exist to reduce costs or obtain hearing aids at little to no cost.
Veterans enrolled at a VA Medical Center can receive audiology services and hearing aids at no cost through the VA healthcare system, regardless of whether their hearing loss is service-connected. State Medicaid programs offer hearing aid coverage in many states, though benefits and eligibility vary. Nonprofit organizations like the Starkey Hearing Foundation and Lions Club International provide free or discounted hearing aids to qualifying individuals.
Options to Explore for Affordable Hearing Aids
- Medicare Advantage plans with hearing aid allowances ($250-$2,500/year)
- OTC hearing aids from retailers ($100-$2,000/pair, no prescription needed)
- Costco and Sam's Club hearing centers (competitive pricing, professional fitting)
- VA hearing aid programs for enrolled veterans (free)
- State Medicaid programs (coverage varies by state and income)
- Nonprofit organizations (Starkey Foundation, Lions Club, HLAA)
- Manufacturer financing plans (many offer 0% interest for 12-24 months)
- Standalone dental/vision/hearing insurance policies
- AARP Hearing Solutions (up to 50% off prescription aids for members)
OTC vs. Prescription Hearing Aids: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between OTC and prescription hearing aids depends on the severity of your hearing loss and your comfort with technology. OTC hearing aids are appropriate if you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, such as difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments or needing to turn up the TV volume. They work best for adults comfortable using smartphone apps for self-adjustment.
Prescription hearing aids are recommended if you have severe or profound hearing loss, asymmetric hearing loss (significantly different between ears), or additional conditions like tinnitus that require professional management. An audiologist can provide comprehensive evaluation, custom fitting, real-ear measurements, and ongoing adjustments that OTC devices cannot match.
If you are unsure about your hearing loss severity, start with a diagnostic hearing exam covered by Medicare Part B. Your audiologist can help you determine whether OTC or prescription devices are the better fit for your needs.
Choose OTC Hearing Aids If You
- •Have mild-to-moderate hearing loss
- •Are comfortable with smartphone apps and self-fitting
- •Want to save money ($100-$2,000 vs. $2,000-$6,000+)
- •Do not have complex hearing conditions or tinnitus
- •Prefer to purchase without an audiologist appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.