Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in 2022?

In some cases, Medicare may cover hearing exams if your practitioner orders them in conjunction with another medical issue. For example, if your provider requests a diagnostic hearing and balance exams because you have a history of falling regularly, Medicare Part B medical coverage will provide coverage.

However, if you discover a hearing problem, Medicare will not pay for hearing aids. If you have Medicare and want to receive coverage for hearing aids, you must seek an additional policy.

Before signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be sure the network includes your preferred providers and the dental coverage you require. Also, check to ensure that you have access to a local and reputable audiologist within your plan network for your hearing health needs.

When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you should budget for out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and the plan’s deductible. When you purchase hearing aids, you want to keep the plan’s maximum hearing benefit in mind.

You can, however, enroll in a separate insurance policy that includes hearing services and hearing aids. Often, hearing coverage comes bundled with vision and dental coverage. Hence, Medicare beneficiaries receive coverage for the most significant gaps in Original Medicare from such ancillary policies. Policy coverage limits vary depending on the carrier.

Changes in Hearing Aid Coverage With Medicare

In recent years, the high cost of hearing aids has attracted the attention of Congress. Legislation is in the works to make hearing aids more affordable for Medicare beneficiaries. However, nothing has yet passed to lower the cost of hearing aids for those on Medicare.

According to congress.gov, in early 2021, lawmakers introduced the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2021 in the House of Representatives. The bill would allow Medicare to cover hearing aids for beneficiaries with moderate to severe hearing loss.

If the bill passes, Medicare will pay for one pair of hearing aids every five years for each beneficiary. However, over-the-counter hearing aids would not receive coverage. Additionally, a qualified audiologist or physician would also need to deem the hearing aids necessary for the patient.

It is difficult to say if and exactly when those on Medicare can take advantage of expanded hearing benefits in the future. The goal of the legislation is to make costly elements of healthcare more affordable for seniors and disabled individuals.

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

To lower the cost of hearing aids for those on Medicare, Congress passed legislation in 2017 instructing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to loosen the barriers to purchasing hearing aids over the counter. Since then, the FDA has been working to approve the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids. Currently, this legislation is still awaiting passage by the FDA.

Once approved, people with mild to moderate hearing loss will be able to purchase self-fitted hearing aids. Currently, you must always visit your audiologist for a hearing aid fitting.

Medicare Coverage for Cochlear Implants

When a doctor deems it medically necessary, and the beneficiary has met specific criteria, Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage Plans will cover cochlear implants. Since Medigap pays after Original Medicare, those who have a Medicare Supplement plan will likely spend the least out-of-pocket for medically necessary cochlear implants.

Talk to your doctor about the cost of cochlear implants with your policy. Further, discuss the specific rules or criteria that may apply.

FAQs About Medicare Coverage for Hearing Aids