Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

The greatest amount of hearing loss occurs among people ages 60 to 69. Additionally, among adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss who could benefit from hearing aids, fewer than one in three (30 percent) have ever used them.

Experts say you can expect to pay $1,500 to $3,500 per ear, and you can double the cost if you need one for each ear. Obviously, cost is a consideration, so it’s important to know the facts.

If you need a hearing aid and don’t currently have one, maybe it's because you’re not sure if your Medicare plan will cover it. The answer really depends on the type of Medicare plan you have.

Here's what you need to know about whether Medicare will pay for hearing aids.

What Medicare Pays For Hearing Aids

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other health care provider orders these tests to determine whether you need medical treatment.

Medicare does not cover hearing exams, hearing aids, or exams for fitting hearing aids.

Original Medicare Parts A and B provide the following coverage:

• You pay 100 percent for exams and hearing aids.
• You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services for covered exams, and the Part B deductible applies.
• In a hospital outpatient setting, you pay the hospital a copayment.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan with extra benefits, it may or may not cover payment for your hearing aids. Make sure you know before you buy them. Do your research about plans available to you so you’ll know whether your Medicare Advantage plan will pay for your hearing aids.

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Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is a PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company depends on contract renewal. Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company (Anthem) has contracted with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to offer the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) noted above or herein. Anthem is the state-licensed, risk-bearing entity offering these plans. Anthem has retained the services of its related companies and authorized agents/brokers/producers to provide administrative services and/or to make the PDPs available in this region. Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association.

Anthem Blue Cross is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross depends on contract renewal. Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association.

Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross name and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

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