Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Key Takeaways

• Medicare Parts A and B do not provide coverage for hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may offer partial coverage, depending on the specifics of your plan.
• OTC hearing aids became accessible to the public in October 2022, but they can only provide a slight relief to people with mild to moderate hearing loss. It is not an actual hearing aid but rather a hearing amplifier.
• The cost of a hearing aid for only one ear can be quite high. Prescription devices for hearing care just might be the third most expensive thing in a person’s life, after buying a house and a car.
• For severe hearing loss, there are several methods to save money on hearing aids, such as seeking assistance from charitable organizations, local Lions Clubs, or the Area Agency on Aging.
• You might also find some financial assistance advice on the Hearing Loss Association of America website. Check your local agencies or programs to find some reduced-cost or free hearing aids.

How Do You Know If You Need Hearing Aids?

Here are some common signs that may indicate that someone needs a hearing aid:

1) Difficulty hearing or understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments. Trouble hearing loud sounds.

2) Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others find comfortable.

3) Frequently asking others to repeat themselves or speak louder.

4) Avoiding social situations or withdrawing from conversations because it’s too difficult to hear due to mild to moderate hearing loss.

5) Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ear canal (tinnitus), which can sometimes be a symptom of hearing loss.

6) Difficulty hearing phone conversations, especially when using a cell phone or in a noisy environment.

7) Feeling tired or stressed after trying to follow a conversation in different listening environments.

8) A general feeling that hearing has declined over time. Other communication disorders.

A hearing test and routine hearing care are always a great way to confirm a perceived mild, moderate, or more severe hearing loss.

Treating hearing loss and buying hearing aids should be one’s priority as it affects almost every area of a person’s life.

Why Is It Crucial to Get Hearing Aids As Soon As Possible?

It’s important not to delay taking a hearing test and getting a hearing aid if you need it because even moderate hearing loss can have negative effects on various aspects of your life.

Here are some reasons why:

Communication

Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate with others, which can lead to social isolation and a decreased quality of life.

Cognitive decline

Studies have shown a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, including an increased risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments.

Safety

Not being able to hear warning signals or alarms can be dangerous, especially when driving or in emergency situations.

Mental health

Hearing loss can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, especially when it comes to social situations and feeling disconnected from others.

Overall health

Hearing loss has been linked to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and falls.

Delaying the use of hearing aids can worsen these problems over time, so it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible to improve communication, cognitive function, safety, and overall health.

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost?

The cost of hearing aids can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type and quality of the hearing aids, the features and technology it offers, the brand and model, and where you purchase them from.

On average, hearing aids can cost around $4,600 per pair. One hearing aid can cost around $2,700 per ear.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Medicaid is a federal health insurance program that provides healthcare coverage for eligible low-income adults, including those with disabilities.

Many insurance plans, including Medicare, do not typically cover the full cost of hearing aids. However, some plans may offer partial coverage or discounts for hearing aids.

On top of that, some nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations may provide financial assistance for hearing aids to individuals who can’t afford them.

While Medicaid is required to cover some hearing health care and hearing services, including diagnostic evaluations, hearing tests, and hearing aids, the specifics of hearing aid benefits coverage vary by state.

Why Doesn’t Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids because they are considered to be elective devices, rather than medically necessary items.

Medicare’s coverage is designed to focus on medically necessary services and treatments, which are typically intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat medical conditions.

While hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, it is not considered a life-threatening condition, which is why hearing aids are not covered under Medicare Parts A and B.

When Medicare was passed in 1965, it did not include coverage for hearing or dental, or vision because people’s lifespans didn’t use to be as long as today. Hearing healthcare is being discussed a lot but for now, the situation on hearing aids hasn’t changed.

However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer partial coverage for hearing aids, depending on the plan’s benefits and the individual’s specific needs.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Exams?

Medicare Part B provides coverage for a portion of the expenses related to diagnostic hearing exams and balance exams, but only if it is ordered by your physician to determine whether you require medical treatment.

You will be responsible for paying the Part B deductible and 20% of the approved Medicare cost. In addition, if you receive treatment in a hospital, you may incur additional charges.

Is It Possible That Medicare Will Soon Cover Hearing Aids?

It’s hard to tell as any changes to the program’s coverage would require action from Congress. However, there have been some efforts in recent years to expand Medicare coverage to include hearing aids, as many older adults experience hearing loss and struggle to afford the cost of a hearing aid.

There is growing recognition of the need for expanded hearing aid coverage for older adults. Ultimately, any changes to Medicare’s coverage for hearing aids would depend on the political climate, budget considerations, and other factors that impact healthcare policy.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Hearing Aids?

Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for hearing aids, but their hearing health care varies depending on the specific plan.

Some Medicare Part C plans may cover a portion of the cost of hearing aids or provide discounts on hearing aids, while others may not provide any coverage.

In addition, Medicare Advantage plan benefits change yearly. It’s important to carefully review the details of a Medicare Advantage plan to understand what is covered and what is not before buying a hearing aid.

We advise focusing on the Advantage plan health benefits, prescriptions, and network before considering hearing aids benefits. Contact your insurance provider for more details!

Can I Get Hearing Aids Over the Counter?

In the United States, hearing aids are classified as medical devices and are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As of October 2022, after the FDA approval, it finally became possible to buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.

OTC hearing aids are available without a prescription and can be purchased at retail stores or online. To buy over-the-counter hearing aids, you don’t need to have a medical exam, see an audiologist, or consult a hearing health professional.

The advantage of OTC hearing aids is that they’re affordable and accessible. Prior to the 2017 Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, it was not possible to buy OTC hearing aids without seeing a hearing professional. It’s an important development as the cost of even one hearing aid can be steep.

Over-the-counter hearing aids can provide a slight temporary relief for perceived mild to moderate hearing issues – before you can buy hearing aids that make a significant difference.

What Is the Difference Between Prescription Hearing Aids and Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids?

While there are some over-the-counter hearing amplifiers or personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) available, OTC hearing aids are not the same as hearing aids and are not intended to address hearing loss.

They may amplify all sounds, including background noise, rather than specifically targeting speech frequencies and may not be suitable for people with significant hearing loss.

OTC hearing aids have some limitations compared to prescription hearing aids, as they can’t provide the same level of personalized care and are only approved for mild to moderate hearing loss. These hearing aids work in a different way.

This is why, OTC hearing aids or OTC devices may not be sufficient for you if you have more severe hearing loss.

You may need to consult a licensed healthcare professional such as an audiologist and take a medical exam (hearing exam) to determine the type and degree of hearing loss and whether prescription hearing aids are necessary.

Those medical professionals will be fitting hearing aids for your specific needs. They’ll also recommend the best hearing aids for your particular condition and budget.

The Benefits of Prescription Hearing Aids:

Personalized care

Prescription hearing aids are customized to the individual’s specific needs, based on a comprehensive hearing evaluation and consultation with a licensed professional.

Quality and Reliability

A prescription hearing aid is manufactured by reputable companies and is subject to strict quality and safety standards, ensuring that they are safe and effective.

Treatment for all levels of hearing loss

A prescription hearing aid is available for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to severe, and can treat a variety of hearing-related medical conditions.

Follow-up care

A licensed professional can provide ongoing follow-up care, including adjustments, repairs, and maintenance, to ensure that the hearing aid continues to work effectively.

Still have more questions about the hearing aid coverage or buying hearing aids? Have severe hearing loss and need help with hearing aid costs as soon as possible? Reach out to us today for a friendly, independent consultation on various Medicare plans!

Please Contact Us at MedigapSeminars.org if we can answer any question.