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While it’s estimated that hearing loss affects two-thirds (opens in new tab) of people over age 70, Medicare parts A and B do not cover the cost of hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing aids.
Hearing loss (opens in new tab) often occurs gradually as we age. This can lead to trouble hearing conversations, the TV, or even alarms or warnings. Hearing aids can help with hearing loss by making sounds in your environment louder to you.
Read on as we explore this topic and discuss the parts of Medicare that may provide coverage for hearing aids.
Medicare Part B doesn’t cover (opens in new tab) the cost of a hearing aid or the exams that are needed for fitting one.
However, Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing exams if your doctor orders them to help detect and diagnose a hearing problem. In this case, you’d pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved cost for the exam.
A bill, HR 1518 (opens in new tab), has been introduced to Congress that could remove the exclusion of the coverage of hearing aids from original Medicare. However, it’s not known when or if these changes will be enacted.
Medicare Part C
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) (opens in new tab) plans are offered by private insurance companies and are approved by Medicare. These plans provide the benefits covered under parts A and B and may include additional coverage.
All Oscar Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits. If you're an Oscar Member, reach out to your Care Team to learn more about your hearing coverage, including where to find care. Call your Care Team today at 855-672-2720 (TTY: 711) or message them through the Oscar Health app.
