One common question many individuals ask is whether Medicare covers the cost of hearing aids. As hearing loss affects millions of individuals in the United States, it is important to understand Medicare coverage for hearing aids and the available options for accessing hearing aids along with its potential financial implications.
In this blog post, we will look into Medicare’s coverage for hearing aids, including Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare audiologist access, the role of hearing tests, and alternative solutions like over-the-counter hearing aids.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Unfortunately, traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover the costs of hearing aids or routine hearing exams. While this may be disheartening for those who rely on Medicare, there are other avenues to ensure adequate hearing care.
Medicare Advantage Plans and Hearing Aid Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) provide additional benefits beyond what original Medicare covers. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing aid coverage as part of their extra benefits package. These plans vary in coverage, so it is necessary to review each plan’s specifics to determine if they cover hearing aids, related services, and associated costs.
The Importance of Hearing Tests
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers hearing and balance exams if your doctor orders them to find out if you need medical treatment.
You can also see an audiologist once every 12 months without securing an order from your doctor for the following circumstances:
- Non-acute hearing conditions (i.e hearing loss that progressed over the years)
- Diagnostic services related to hearing loss that are or can be treated with surgically implanted hearing devices
Hearing Loss and Alternative Solutions
While Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans may not cover the cost of traditional hearing aids, there are alternative solutions to have access to hearing aids and hearing care.
In recent years, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have become more accessible to consumers who want to try hearing aids but don’t have the financial capacity to acquire prescription hearing devices.
OTC hearing aids can be purchased without a prescription and are more affordable than traditional hearing aids. However, OTC hearing aids may only be suitable for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.
OTC hearing aids are not recommended for kids and for individuals who have severe to profound hearing loss. Consulting with an audiologist can help determine the most appropriate solution for your specific situation.
Medicare Coverage for Hearing Aids
While Medicare may not provide comprehensive coverage for hearing aids, you can explore other insurance options. Some employer-sponsored insurance policies or private health plans may include hearing aid coverage.
Make sure to review the insurance policy details and get in touch with the insurance provider directly to understand your policy’s coverage, associated costs, and any requirements for obtaining hearing aids or hearing care.
Audiologists and Hearing Aids in Littleton, CO
In summary, traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. However, you may explore Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offered by private insurance companies as these plans may provide coverage for hearing aids as part of their extra benefits package.
When considering insurance plans, take the time to carefully review the specifics of each plan, including the costs involved. Access to qualified audiologists is essential for comprehensive hearing care.
Columbine Hearing Care aims to make hearing care accessible to everyone. We are a self-pay clinic and non-participating Medicare provider. This means that we do not bill Medicare or other insurance carriers. However, we do accept out-of-network insurance coverage and we offer several flexible payment options such as no-interest financing, rental plans, and hearing care packages.
We are also founding partners of Hearing the Call Colorado, a non-profit organization that provides hearing aids at no charge to qualifying individuals. As a self-pay clinic, we are able to keep our prices lower than most clinics that take insurance, and patients often end up paying less out-of-pocket when they seek treatment with us rather than using their insurance at another clinic. We are happy to discuss your options with you, so please contact us today to learn more.