Does insurance cover hearing aids?
Hearing aids are expensive, and it’s essential to understand if your insurance offers coverage to help offset the cost of hearing aids. I’m Dr. Amy, a Doctor of Audiology, and I work with many patients with hearing loss to find hearing aids or hearing loss treatment in their budget. If you have hearing loss, it’s essential to understand what kind of hearing aid coverage you may have and if it’s enough to cover the cost of hearing aids. In this article, I’ll break down what insurance typically covers regarding coverage for hearing aids and other related auditory services.
If you’re considering a hearing aid purchase, you’ll want to know if your health insurance benefits provide hearing aid coverage for hearing aids. While private hearing insurance coverage may differ from Medicare and Medicaid coverage, most insurance companies typically pay for hearing tests. Of course, I speak generally here, so please check with your insurance company to know whether your policy offers full or partial hearing aid coverage.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Unfortunately, Medicare offers no coverage for the cost of hearing aids or any associated audiological services. However, some Medicare Advantage plans provide additional coverage for these services. You must check with your plan provider to determine what coverage is included in your policy.
Consider Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare coverage for hearing care includes hearing tests with a physician referral. In addition, cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids are often covered, but hearing aids are not. While Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, with a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have discounted options through a third party. Medicare Advantage is a supplemental policy that coordinates with a third party to offer hearing aids at a lower cost than if you were to purchase hearing aids directly out of pocket. However, it’s important to note that third parties, such as TruHearing, offer only limited support and follow-up services. Additionally, TruHearing may offer only one hearing aid brand to choose from. Some plans offer several options, for example, if you are a retired teacher or worked in a union.
Does private insurance cover hearing aids?
Private insurance policies vary from company to company regarding hearing aid benefits, so reviewing your policy regarding hearing aid benefit is essential. Some private insurance providers may offer limited coverage for costs associated with hearing aids or audiological services, while others may offer no coverage. Again, check with your plan provider for details on what is covered under your policy. Is there any specific hearing aid insurance? Unfortunately, there aren’t any hearing aid specific insurances.
Does Medicaid cover hearing aids?
In most states, Medicaid provides full or partial coverage for hearing aid devices and associated services such as audiological exams and fitting sessions. However, it is essential to note that each state’s Medicaid program has different eligibility and Medicaid coverage levels rules; therefore, it is best to contact your local Medicaid office for more detailed information on what is covered in your area. You can read more here in a state by state guide from the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Does my health insurance cover a trip to the audiologist?
Medicare covers a hearing evaluation with a physician referral. However, unfortunately, hearing aid services are not covered by Medicare. Private insurance will typically cover a hearing test. However, please check with your insurance provider regarding covered benefits, such as fitting hearing aids.
The Best Hearing Aid Brands 2023
What if you can’t afford hearing aids?
If you cannot afford prescription hearing aids through private insurance or Medicaid, there are still options for obtaining this essential medical device at an affordable price. There are organizations dedicated to helping those with limited financial means get necessary healthcare resources such as hearing aids; many organizations even donate used devices directly from their supplies or provide grants for those who qualify financially. Additionally, some companies specialize in offering affordable payment plans for hearing aid purchases so you can spread out the costs over time instead of having to pay upfront.
Looking for financial assistance?
Read more here.
Affordable Hearing Aids
If you find that your health insurance does not offer coverage for hearing aids, don’t fret. There are still affordable options to treat your hearing loss. Let’s talk about a few options to consider.
First, it’s essential to know more about your hearing loss. As mentioned, a diagnostic hearing test is offered as a covered service. Reach out to a local audiology clinic to schedule a hearing test.
Next, once you know what your hearing looks like, you can consider a few options. If you have mild or moderate hearing loss, you could consider OTC hearing aids as an option.
Do you have more severe hearing loss? Consider a prescription hearing aid with a lower level of technology. Your local audiology clinic will typically offer more budget-friendly options as well. Some clinics will also unbundle hearing aid benefits, meaning that they separate the costs of the devices from the individual hearing aid services. The downside is that you’ll need to pay for each visit individually, but your initial cost upfront will be less than with a bundled plan that includes all hearing aid services.
See a Doctor of Hearing Healthcare
Conclusion:
Hearing loss can significantly impact quality of life; luckily, there are resources available if you or someone you know needs assistance purchasing a hearing aid device but cannot afford it due to financial constraints or lack of adequate insurance coverage. From private insurance plans and Medicaid programs, grants from charitable organizations, and payment plans from specialty companies – there is help. It’s essential to research the options available to find the best solution for you or your loved one’s needs when obtaining a hearing aid device.
