Orlando Harmon
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 know whether your insurance covers hearing aids. While traditional medical insurance may not cover hearing aids, some government-sponsored programs, such as Medicaid, do provide hearing aids for those who qualify. Additionally, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans may cover hearing aids, exams, and hearing services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional medical insurance coverage | Hearing aids are typically not covered by traditional health insurance. |
| Hearing insurance | Supplemental insurance policies like Aflac's hearing insurance can help cover hearing aid costs and related expenses. |
| State insurance mandates | Some states require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children, and a few states mandate coverage for adults as well. |
| Medicaid | Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies by state, and specific government programs within Medicaid may provide hearing aids for those who qualify. |
| Medicare | Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans may offer discounts or benefits. |
| Private health insurance | Coverage varies by plan, and some private plans may offer hearing aid coverage. |
| Employer-provided insurance | Some employers' insurance companies offer hearing aid benefits, and certain companies may provide discount programs. |
| Out-of-pocket expenses | Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance. |
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What You'll Learn
Medicaid and Medicare
Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies by state, with only 28 states providing coverage as of 2024. New York is one of these states, and its Medicaid program offers hearing aid coverage under specific conditions. To qualify for Medicaid coverage for hearing aids in New York, individuals must provide written recommendations from either an otolaryngologist or an audiologist. There is a 30-day trial period for the hearing aid, during which the patient can decide whether to keep it or return it. If the hearing aid is not benefiting the patient, confirmed by an audiologist, the Medicaid claim will be voided, and the patient will not be responsible for the cost.
On the other hand, Original Medicare, including Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), typically does not cover the cost of hearing aids or routine hearing exams for adults. However, Medicare Part B may cover diagnostic hearing exams and surgically implanted bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) when ordered by a doctor or healthcare provider to address a hearing or balance problem. Additionally, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer hearing coverage, including hearing aids and associated costs such as maintenance, fittings, and repairs. The coverage and costs can vary depending on the specific plan, so it is essential to review the details of each plan before selecting one that best meets your needs.
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State-specific insurance mandates
The coverage of hearing aids by medical insurance varies across different states in the US. While some states have mandates requiring insurance providers to cover hearing aids for children, only a few mandate coverage for adults. Here are some state-specific insurance mandates for hearing aids:
Colorado
The Colorado Revised Statute § 10-16-104 mandates insurance providers to cover hearing aids for children under 12 years of age when medically necessary. The coverage includes a new hearing aid every five years and services such as assessments, fittings, adjustments, and auditory training.
Connecticut
The Connecticut Insurance Department requires insurance policies to remove age limits on hearing aid benefits for policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2016, due to the Affordable Care Act's prohibition on discriminatory benefit design based on age.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, insurers are required to provide coverage for hearing aids for minors if prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist. The coverage may be limited to $1,400 per hearing aid for each impaired ear every 36 months. Insured individuals may choose a more expensive hearing aid and pay the difference.
Minnesota
According to Minnesota Statute § 62Q.675, health plans must cover hearing aids for children under 18 years of age when hearing loss cannot be corrected by other covered procedures. The coverage is limited to one hearing aid per ear every three years.
Missouri
Missouri Revised Statute § 376.1220 mandates health insurance coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss for children up to 18 years of age. The treatment may include one hearing device for each ear every three years.
Montana
Effective January 1, 2011, Montana insurers are required to cover the cost of no less than $1,500 per hearing aid every 60 months. Additionally, Montana passed legislation mandating private insurance coverage of children's hearing aids during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other States
Other states with specific insurance mandates for hearing aids include Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, and Oklahoma. Additionally, while not a state-specific mandate, it is worth noting that some insurance companies like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare offer hearing aid benefits that vary depending on the individual's medical condition and state of residence.
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Employer insurance
Whether or not your employer insurance covers hearing aids depends on your specific insurance plan. Some plans do cover hearing aids, but most do not. Hearing aids are often considered "elective" or "cosmetic" devices by insurance companies, and therefore not medically necessary.
However, there are some instances where employer insurance may cover hearing aids. For example, if your employer has chosen to add hearing aid coverage, the health plan must provide coverage of at least $1,400 per ear every three years for individuals of all ages. In the US, only five states require health insurance coverage for adults who need hearing aids. These states are: Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Maine. Additionally, 20 states require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children in most insurance plans.
If your employer insurance does not cover hearing aids, there are other options to help with the cost. For example, you can use money from a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA) to pay for them. You can also look into supplemental insurance, which can help pay for benefits that your major medical insurance does not cover.
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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 do not offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may not cover the full cost, it is important to explore supplemental insurance policies.
Aflac's hearing insurance, for example, offers coverage for hearing aids and helps with other related costs, such as exams, batteries, and repairs. This type of supplemental insurance can make hearing restoration more affordable and accessible, especially for those who may not have adequate coverage under their primary health insurance plan.
In addition to private insurers, some employers' insurance companies also offer hearing aid benefits. For instance, companies like BCBS, UHC, Aetna, and Cigna, as well as some Medicare Advantage plans, can help pay for hearing aids. These companies may also offer discount programs that provide significant savings on hearing aids and related services.
It is important to note that the availability and specifics of supplemental insurance policies can vary by state and insurer. Therefore, it is advisable to contact insurance providers directly to understand the specific coverage and benefits offered by their supplemental insurance plans for hearing aids.
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Hearing insurance
In the United States, hearing insurance is often provided as part of a combined dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) insurance plan. For example, Humana offers the Humana Extend plan, which combines dental, vision, and hearing premiums into one simple payment. This type of plan can be beneficial for individuals or families looking for flexible benefits that grow with their needs.
It's important to note that traditional medical insurance typically does not cover hearing aids because insurers often do not consider them essential medical devices. However, there are some exceptions, and the laws vary by state. For instance, some states mandate that insurance providers cover hearing aids for children under a certain age when medically necessary. Additionally, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans may cover hearing aids, exams, and hearing services, although exact coverage varies by plan.
To find out if hearing insurance is right for you, it's recommended to speak with an insurance agent to learn about the specific coverage and costs offered by different plans in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional medical insurance may not cover hearing aids, but it depends on your insurance provider and your location. In the US, 20 states require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children, and five states require coverage for both children and adults. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer coverage for hearing aids.
Hearing loss is considered a "likely risk", with more than 50% of people over the age of 75 experiencing hearing loss. As a result, insurance companies feel there is a high possibility that a large number of people will make a claim, increasing costs and reducing profits. Therefore, hearing loss is considered uninsurable.
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance.
Some government-sponsored programs, such as Medicaid, provide hearing aids for those who qualify. Additionally, hearing aid retailers and manufacturers may offer discounts or deals on hearing aids, and senior-focused organizations like AAA and AARP may offer members hearing aid discounts.
If you are unsure whether your insurance plan covers hearing aids, you should call your insurance company and ask. They will be able to tell you definitively whether or not your plan covers hearing aids.
