Does Medicare Cover Hearing Services?

For many people on Medicare, a big source of concern is how they will or will not be able to get help with managing hearing loss. As a result, a common question is whether or not they have access to a Medicare-covered hearing benefit. Medicare’s coverage of hearing services depends on what type of service you are interested in (diagnostic hearing  versus coverage for hearing aids) and whether or not you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or if you are covered through Original Medicare (with or without a Medicare Supplement plan). In this article, we explain the differences between what the hearing benefit typically looks like between Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and Medicare Advantage.

Original Medicare

Does Original Medicare Cover Hearing Aids or Fitting Exams?

Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. 

What Is My Cost for Hearing Aids or Exams Under Original Medicare?

As a result you pay 100% for hearing aids and exams.

Does Original Medicare Cover Hearing and Balance Exams?

Yes. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other health care provider orders them to see if you need medical treatment. 

What Is My Cost for Hearing and Balance Exams Under Original Medicare?

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount , and the Part B deductible applies. In a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay the hospital a copayment.  

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends that to find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

• Other insurance you may have
• How much your doctor charges
• Whether your doctor accepts assignment
• The type of facility
• Where you get your test, item, or service

Medicare Supplement

Is Hearing Covered By Medicare Supplement Plans?

Since Medicare Supplement Plans are typically designed to help cover the cost sharing for covered services under Original Medicare, these plans will not cover hearing exams for fittings or hearing aids. However, Medicare Supplement plans may help cover part of your cost sharing for diagnostic hearing and balance exams.

What Does Hearing Coverage Cost Me With My Medicare Supplement Plan?

With a Medicare Supplement, a portion of the 20% cost-sharing you are responsible for under Original Medicare would be covered. However, for non-covered hearing benefits you would be responsible for 100% of the cost.

Medicare Advantage

Is Hearing Covered By Medicare Advantage Plans?

It is increasingly common for Medicare Advantage plans to add coverage for hearing aids and fitting exams, in addition to the Medicare covered diagnostic and balance exams. These additional hearing benefits may have cost-sharing and annual or biannual limits associated with them and may require you to rely on specific providers who contract with the individual Medicare Advantage plan. As with all of these additional benefits that are beyond those covered through Original Medicare, the offering will vary by Medicare Advantage Plan.

What Does Hearing Coverage Cost Me With My Medicare Advantage Plan?

Costs associated with Medicare covered hearing services and additional hearing benefits, like hearing aids will vary by individual Medicare Advantage plan.