Jane Dotson
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance. Since many health plans don't offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may not cover the full cost, it is important to understand your insurance plan's coverage. Traditional medical insurance may not cover hearing aids, but some private insurance companies offer coverage, and certain government programs can help pay for them. Additionally, some states mandate hearing aid coverage for adults and children.
Do medical insurance cover hearing aids?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional medical insurance | May not cover hearing aids |
| Hearing insurance | Supplemental insurance policy to cover hearing aids and related costs |
| State insurance mandates for hearing aids | Varies by state; some states mandate coverage for children's hearing aids, while others offer coverage for adults |
| Medicaid | Government-sponsored program that provides hearing aids for those who qualify based on income |
| Medicare | Does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids; Medicare Advantage Plans may offer coverage |
| Private insurance companies | Coverage varies by plan; some offer coverage for hearing aids or discounts |
| Employer's insurance | Some companies offer hearing aid benefits or discounts |
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What You'll Learn
Medicaid and other government-sponsored programs
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance. Since many health plans don't offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may not cover the full cost, it is important to understand the different options available.
Medicaid provides hearing care and hearing aids for children in all states. For adults, Medicaid may offer some hearing aid coverage, but the guidelines vary by state. For example, Missouri requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for infant hearing screening, re-screening, audiological assessment, follow-up, and initial amplification, including hearing aids. In contrast, Minnesota requires health plans to cover hearing aids for children under 18 with hearing loss that is not correctable by other covered procedures, limited to one hearing aid per ear every three years. Massachusetts requires certain health plans to provide coverage for minors (up to 21 years of age) for the full cost of one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear, up to $2,000 every 36 months, if deemed medically necessary by a physician.
Additionally, CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) offers low-cost health coverage to children in low-income families who don't qualify for Medicaid, and in some states, this includes hearing aids. Veterans with service-related hearing loss may be eligible for hearing aids and other benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
It is worth noting that, as of 2019, there was a bill before Congress, H.R. 1518 - the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act, which aimed to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include hearing aid coverage and examinations. However, as of 2024, traditional Medicare plans still do not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids, and beneficiaries pay 100% of the cost. Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, including hearing, vision, and dental.
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Private insurance companies
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance. Since many health plans don't offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may not cover the full cost, it is important to understand what your insurance plan covers.
Medicaid has specific income requirements to qualify, and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is another option for children with hearing loss. To see if you qualify for these programs, contact your state's social services office or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private companies that contract with Medicare to provide additional benefits. Some of these plans may include hearing aids at a reduced price or discounted rate, but not all do, so it is important to check with your plan before enrolling. Popular plans that may include hearing aid coverage are Humana, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
Some employers' insurance companies also offer hearing aid benefits, at least in Missouri and Kansas. BCBS, UHC, Aetna, and Cigna are known to offer these benefits or a discount program for hearing aids.
If your insurance plan does not cover hearing aids, there are still options to make them more affordable. In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration established a new category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which generally cost $200 to $1,000. Hearing aid retailers and manufacturers may also offer discounts or deals, and senior-focused organizations like AAA and AARP may offer member discounts. Finally, supplemental insurance policies, such as those offered by Aflac, can help cover the costs of hearing aids and related expenses.
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Supplemental insurance policies
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance. Since many health plans don't offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may not cover the full cost, it is important to explore supplemental insurance policies.
It is worth noting that some states in the US have mandates requiring insurance providers to cover hearing aids, especially for children under 18 years of age when medically necessary. For example, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont require health benefits plans to pay for hearing aids for children. However, the specific requirements and age limits may vary by state, and it is always a good idea to check with your state for the most up-to-date information.
Additionally, some employers' insurance companies offer hearing aid benefits, and certain Medicare Advantage plans can help pay for hearing aids. Discount programs negotiated by third-party organizations can also provide significant savings on hearing aids and related services.
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Medicare Advantage Plans
When it comes to hearing benefits, Medicare Advantage Plans can provide coverage for hearing services, including hearing exams and hearing aids. These plans can help individuals find the right hearing aid for their needs and budget, offering a broad selection of over-the-counter (OTC) and brand-name prescription hearing aids. Some plans may even offer a $0 copay for routine hearing exams.
It is important to note that the specific benefits and coverage may vary depending on the Medicare Advantage Plan and the location. For example, the UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage Plan offers a 3-year manufacturer warranty on all prescription hearing aids, while the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan provides hearing exams and hearing aid benefits through their partnership with NationsHearing.
To enrol in a Medicare Advantage Plan, individuals can utilize the online resources provided by the insurance companies, such as UnitedHealthcare, which offers an easy-to-use online experience and access to licensed insurance agents. It is recommended to review the Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for specific details on the hearing benefits included in each plan.
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State insurance mandates
In the United States, hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance. Since many health plans don't offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may not cover the full cost, it is important to understand state insurance mandates.
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
The requirements for each state vary, but some general patterns can be observed. For example, many states require insurance providers to cover hearing aids for children under 18 years of age when medically necessary. Coverage typically includes a new hearing aid every few years, as well as services such as assessments, fittings, and adjustments. Some states also allow individuals to choose a more expensive hearing aid and pay the difference in cost.
It is important to note that certain insurance plans may be exempt from state mandates, so individuals should always check with their plan administrator to confirm coverage. Additionally, state laws, regulations, and policies can change, so staying informed about the most up-to-date information is essential.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your insurance plan and where you live. Some private insurance companies offer coverage for hearing aids, but this varies from plan to plan. Some government-sponsored programs, like Medicaid, also provide hearing aids for those who qualify.
Yes, some insurance companies do cover hearing aids for children, especially if they are under 18 years old and if the hearing aids are prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist.
Hearing aids are considered "elective" or "cosmetic" devices by most insurance companies, and are therefore not always considered medically necessary. It is also speculated that financial reasons play a part, as hearing loss is a “likely risk” and insurance companies may want to avoid the increased costs and reduced profits that would come with a large number of people making claims.
Hearing aid retailers and manufacturers may offer discounts or deals on hearing aids, including holiday sales or yearly promotions. Senior-focused organizations like AAA and AARP may also offer members hearing aid discounts. Additionally, short-term health insurance or supplemental insurance policies like Aflac can help cover the cost of hearing aids.
