Jane Dotson
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance, making them inaccessible to many of the 37 million Americans suffering from hearing loss. Unfortunately, traditional health insurance often does not cover hearing aids, as insurers don't consider them essential medical devices. However, some government programs and private insurance plans do provide coverage or discounts for hearing aids, and there is a push for greater insurance coverage of hearing aids in the future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Traditional health insurance coverage | Hearing aids are typically not covered by traditional health insurance. |
| Hearing insurance | Supplemental insurance policies, such as Aflac's hearing insurance, can help cover hearing aids and related costs. |
| State insurance mandates | Some states, like Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, and Montana, have laws requiring insurance providers to cover hearing aids, especially for children under a certain age. |
| Medicare | Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may cover hearing aids, while Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not. |
| Medicaid | Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies by state. |
| Employer-provided insurance | Some employers' insurance companies, such as BCBS, UHC, Aetna, and Cigna, may offer hearing aid benefits or discounts. |
| 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
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps cover healthcare costs for individuals with limited income and other financial resources. Depending on the state, Medicaid may cover hearing aids to varying degrees. For example, in New York, patients must provide the proper documentation when requesting approval for coverage for a hearing aid. Form eMedNY 283201 must be completed to obtain approval unless a request is submitted online by the patient through ePACES or some other HIPAA-compliant 278 transaction. Elderly individuals must get a written recommendation for a hearing aid from either an Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor (ENT), also known as an otolaryngologist, or an audiologist.
In California, hearing aids are covered by Medicaid, along with hearing aid repair and replacement of hearing aid parts (excluding batteries). In Alaska, Medicaid covers hearing aids, approved accessories, supplies, and hearing item repairs. However, these services must be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a licensed healthcare practitioner.
On the other hand, in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Louisiana, and Arkansas, Medicaid does not cover hearing aids at all.
Medicare
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not typically cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them. However, Part B (Medical Insurance) may cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if ordered by a doctor or healthcare provider. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may offer extra benefits that cover hearing, such as hearing aids and auditory osseointegrated devices.
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Private health insurance
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, hearing aids are often considered an out-of-pocket expense. However, some private health insurance plans do cover hearing aids, and there are other ways to make hearing aids more affordable.
According to Jacquelyn Lovitt, AuD, from the Capital Institute of Hearing and Balance in Silver Spring, Maryland, about half of the health insurance providers she works with offer hearing benefits. Some private insurance and Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids, while others offer discounts on hearing aids and related services.
Additionally, certain employers' insurance companies offer hearing aid benefits. For example, BCBS, UHC, Aetna, and Cigna, as well as some new Medicare Advantage plans, can help pay for hearing aids. These companies may also offer discount programs that provide significant price reductions on hearing aids, although the options for hearing aids and services may be more limited.
In the United States, 20 states require health insurance to cover hearing aids for children, and five states mandate coverage for adults. However, specific plans may be exempt from these mandates. For example, Colorado requires health insurance policies to cover hearing aids for children 12 years old or younger, while Connecticut has removed age limits on hearing aid benefits for policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2016.
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State-specific insurance
Hearing aids are often not covered by traditional health insurance because insurers don't consider them essential medical devices. However, some states have specific mandates regarding insurance coverage for hearing aids.
Colorado
In Colorado, insurance providers are required to cover hearing aids for children under 18 years of age when medically necessary. This includes a new hearing aid every five years, and services such as the initial assessment, fitting, and adjustments. Insurance policies can limit the benefit to $1,000 every 24 months.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, insurers must provide coverage for hearing aids for minors if prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist. Coverage may be limited to $1,400 per hearing aid for each impaired ear every 36 months. Insured individuals can choose a more expensive hearing aid and pay the difference. Additionally, certain health plans must provide coverage for minors up to 21 years of age for the full cost of one hearing aid per impaired ear, up to $2,000 every 36 months, if deemed medically necessary by a physician.
Minnesota
Minnesota requires health plans to 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.
Montana
In Montana, insurers are required to cover the cost of no less than $1,500 per hearing aid every 60 months. Insured individuals can choose a higher-priced hearing aid and pay the difference.
Arkansas, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island
These states allow for some coverage for adults. Arkansas mandates that insurance companies offer hearing aid coverage to employers in the state, with a minimum coverage of $1,400 per ear every three years for individuals of all ages. Connecticut removed age limits on hearing aid benefits for policies issued or renewed after January 1, 2016.
Other States
Other states with mandates for children's hearing aid coverage include Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Vermont. Wisconsin requires coverage for both hearing aids and cochlear implants for children.
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Employer-provided insurance
Hearing aids can be costly, ranging from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance. Luckily, some employer-provided insurance plans may help cover the cost of hearing aids and related services. Here are some things to know about employer-provided insurance and hearing aid coverage:
Some major insurance companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare, offer hearing aid benefits as part of their employer-provided insurance plans. These benefits can vary depending on your specific plan, state of residence, and medical condition. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review your employer-provided insurance policy or contact the insurance provider directly to understand the specific hearing aid benefits included in your plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans:
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, often include hearing aid coverage. For example, BCBS offers comprehensive employer plans that cover 100% of exams and hearing aids, but only when using a participating hearing provider. Additionally, some Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans provide hearing aid coverage. These plans may offer an allowance of up to $2,500 every five years to help pay for hearing aids and supplies, and members can also access discounted prices through the Blue365 Discount Program.
State Insurance Mandates:
In certain states, there are mandates requiring insurance companies to offer hearing aid coverage to employers. For example, in Arkansas, insurance companies must provide coverage of at least $1,400 per ear every three years for individuals of all ages if the employer chooses to include this option in their health plan. Other states, such as Colorado and Massachusetts, mandate coverage for hearing aids for children under a certain age when prescribed, fitted, and dispensed by a licensed audiologist. These mandates ensure that individuals, especially children, have access to necessary hearing aid devices and services.
Supplemental Insurance:
If your employer-provided insurance does not include hearing aid coverage, you can consider supplemental insurance options. Aflac, for instance, provides supplemental insurance to help pay for benefits that your major medical insurance may not cover. This can be a way to fill in any gaps in your existing coverage and make hearing aids more affordable.
Other Options:
In addition to employer-provided insurance, there are other ways to make hearing aids more affordable. Hearing aid retailers and manufacturers often offer discounts, deals, and promotions. Senior-focused organizations like AAA and AARP may provide members with hearing aid discounts. Financing options are also available, allowing you to spread out the cost of hearing aids over time instead of paying the full price upfront.
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Supplemental insurance
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 options.
Aflac's supplemental insurance is available for both individuals and groups, providing flexibility for those seeking coverage. Additionally, they offer deferred interest financing options, with a 0% APR on qualifying purchases for an extended period, helping to further reduce the financial burden of hearing care.
It is worth noting that some states have specific mandates requiring insurance companies to cover hearing aids, especially for children. For example, states like Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island mandate coverage for both children and adults. However, specific plans may be exempt from these mandates, so it is important to review your plan details carefully.
In summary, supplemental insurance can play a crucial role in making hearing aids more accessible and affordable for individuals who need them. By offering additional coverage and benefits, supplemental insurance policies like Aflac's hearing insurance can help bridge the gap when traditional medical insurance falls short.
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Frequently asked questions
Traditional medical insurance may not cover hearing aids. However, in some cases, coverage may be available. For example, some US states require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children in most insurance plans. Additionally, a few states require coverage for both children and adults.
Hearing loss is considered a "likely risk" and since hearing aids can be expensive, insurance companies feel there is a high possibility that a large number of people will make a claim, increasing costs and reducing profit. Therefore, hearing loss is considered uninsurable.
Some government-sponsored programs, such as Medicaid, provide hearing aids for those who qualify. Additionally, Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may offer extra benefits that original Medicare doesn't cover, like hearing aids and hearing services.
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance.
