Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

If you or a loved one suffer from hearing loss, the first thing to know is you are not alone. The second thing you might like to know, however, is how to get hearing aids. Specifically if they’re covered by Medicare. But does Medicare cover hearing aids? The short answer is it depends on your plan. Let’s dig into the role Medicare can play in providing hearing aids for seniors, and for hearing loss at any age.

Which Medicare part covers hearing exams?

Medicare is organized into four different parts – A, B, C and D. Medicare Parts A and B, referred to as Original Medicare, do not cover hearing aids, hearing exams or hearing aid fittings. If your doctor orders hearing and balance exams, however, Medicare Part B may cover them. In this case, you will pay 20 percent of the Medicare approved amount, plus the Part B deductible for services you receive. It’s worth noting that Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) may provide hearing-related coverage. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your Evidence of Coverage for details.

Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?

Cochlear implants are small, surgically implanted devices that help people with hearing loss understand sounds. Cochlear implant surgery can provide an effective solution for those who are deaf or have profound hearing loss. If medically necessary, cochlear implants can be covered by Medicare. Out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and coinsurance may still be owed.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Not all hearing aids are made the same. So their exact cost can vary depending on features, brand and other factors. For example, hearing aid costs may be higher for a high-tech pair over a more standard pair. Finding the right pair of hearing aids for you should be your priority, so take the time to explore the various available features.

Get Medicare Advantage for hearing benefits

Original Medicare does not typically include hearing benefits. However some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may cover hearing, as well as vision and dental care. Check the details of your plan to find out if it includes hearing coverage. If you do not currently have access to these benefits, talk to your insurer about getting Medicare Advantage with hearing benefits.

For those with hearing loss, hearing aids can completely transform their daily experience. So whether you or a loved one need hearing aids, it’s important to understand the ways you can access them. If you don’t currently have access to hearing aid coverage, an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan may be able to change that. Look into Aetna Medicare Advantage today and get on your way to clearer hearing.

AirPods® headphones as hearing aids

A hearing aid from Apple®? You read that right! The FDA announced some AirPods® wireless headphones can qualify as over-the-counter hearing aids.* But can you use AirPods as hearing aids and get covered for it? It may be possible. You can ask your insurer about coverage for AirPods. But since they are so new to the hearing aid market, coverage is not guaranteed.