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Understanding Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage: What Changed in 2024

For decades, traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) did not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings. This meant millions of older adults had to pay out of pocket for these devices, which can cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per pair. That landscape shifted significantly starting January 1, 2024, when Medicare began providing some coverage for hearing aids through Part B.

This change came as a result of legislative action that recognized hearing loss as a serious health concern affecting roughly one in three people over age 65. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began covering a standard, FDA-approved hearing aid model, along with related services like hearing tests, fitting appointments, and adjustments. However, this coverage works differently than coverage for other medical devices, and many beneficiaries remain unaware of what is and is not covered.

The standard hearing aid covered by Medicare Part B is called the "established baseline model." Medicare determines the payment amount for this device and related services each year. In 2024, Medicare's payment for a pair of hearing aids covers the device itself, the initial hearing test, the fitting visit, and follow-up care for one year. Beneficiaries pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting their Part B deductible (which was $240 in 2024).

It is important to understand that coverage through Medicare Part B is different from coverage through Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Part C plans are run by private insurance companies and may offer hearing aid coverage with different rules, copays, and networks. Some Part C plans may offer zero-cost hearing aids or different coverage structures altogether. Similarly, those with Medicaid coverage may have separate hearing aid benefits depending on their state.

Practical Takeaway: The landscape of Medicare hearing aid coverage changed in 2024 with the introduction of Part B coverage for a standard hearing aid model. Before pursuing any hearing aid through Medicare, determine whether you have traditional Medicare (Part A and B), a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), or both, since coverage rules differ significantly between these options.

How Medicare Part B Hearing Aid Coverage Works

Medicare Part B coverage for hearing aids involves several specific steps and involves multiple types of services. Understanding each component helps you know what to expect and what out-of-pocket costs may apply to you.

The process begins with a comprehensive audiological evaluation performed by an audiologist or other qualified hearing care professional. This evaluation includes testing to measure your hearing loss and determine the degree and type of hearing impairment. The evaluation cost is covered by Medicare Part B. You will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you have met your Part B deductible for the year. If you have already met your deductible earlier in the year for other medical services, you may owe only the 20% coinsurance.

After the evaluation, if a hearing aid is recommended, you can proceed to the fitting and dispensing stage. This is where you receive the actual hearing aid device. Medicare Part B covers the cost of a bilateral pair (two hearing aids, one for each ear) or a monaural pair (one hearing aid) depending on your specific hearing loss. The hearing aid fitting appointment includes programming the device to your individual hearing test results. Like the evaluation, you pay 20% coinsurance after your deductible.

Medicare Part B also covers follow-up services for one year after the initial fitting. These may include in-person or remote follow-up visits, adjustments to the device settings, and repairs if the device malfunctions. Some additional supplies, such as replacement ear molds (the part that fits in your ear), may also be covered during this one-year period. After one year, Medicare Part B coverage for hearing aids resets, meaning you would be eligible for coverage of another hearing aid device in the following year if medically necessary.

An important limitation is that Medicare only covers the established baseline model hearing aid. This is a standard, FDA-approved device selected by Medicare. If you want a premium hearing aid with advanced features—such as better noise cancellation, direct connectivity to your phone, or brand-name premium models—you would pay the difference in cost out of pocket. Some beneficiaries choose this route, while others find the baseline model adequate for their needs.

Practical Takeaway: Medicare Part B hearing aid coverage includes the evaluation, the baseline hearing aid device, fitting, and one year of follow-up care and adjustments. You pay 20% coinsurance on all these services after meeting your Part B deductible. Premium hearing aids cost more, and you pay the full difference yourself if you choose an upgrade.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Hearing Aid Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are an alternative to traditional Medicare that millions of beneficiaries choose each year. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and must cover all services that traditional Medicare covers. However, they often add extra benefits and may have different cost structures for those benefits.

Many Medicare Advantage plans now include hearing aid coverage as a supplemental benefit. This coverage may work quite differently from traditional Medicare Part B coverage. Some plans cover hearing aids with $0 copays up to a certain dollar amount per year. Others may require you to use an in-network audiologist or hearing aid provider to receive the benefit. Still others may offer a set dollar allowance—for example, $1,000 or $2,000 per year—that you can use toward the cost of any hearing aid, regardless of brand or model.

The advantages of Medicare Advantage hearing aid coverage vary by plan. Some beneficiaries report being able to obtain premium hearing aids with little or no out-of-pocket cost through their Part C plan, whereas the same devices would cost thousands of dollars out of pocket under traditional Medicare. However, you must use providers within the plan's network to receive the benefit. If you use an out-of-network provider, you may have to pay the full cost yourself, or the plan may not cover the service at all.

It is also important to note that Medicare Advantage plan benefits change each year. A plan that offered generous hearing aid coverage one year may reduce that benefit the next year, or it may no longer be available. This is why reviewing your plan's coverage documents each fall during the annual enrollment period (October 15 through December 7) is recommended. If hearing aid coverage is important to you, you can compare plans based on their hearing aid benefits and switch to a different plan if a better option becomes available.

Additionally, if you are considering switching from traditional Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan specifically for hearing aid coverage, review the plan's coverage limits, network restrictions, and any other benefits you might lose by switching. Some beneficiaries have both traditional Medicare and a Medicare Advantage plan through a special program, though this is less common.

Practical Takeaway: If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents for hearing aid coverage details. Many plans offer hearing aid benefits that may be more generous than traditional Medicare Part B coverage, but you must use in-network providers. Review your plan's benefits each year during open enrollment, as hearing aid benefits can change.

Medicaid and State-Specific Hearing Aid Programs

While this guide focuses on Medicare, it is worth noting that other programs may help pay for hearing aids. Medicaid, the joint federal-state insurance program for low-income individuals, covers hearing aids in all 50 states, though the coverage rules and covered devices differ by state. If you are under 65 and have both Medicaid and Medicare (called "dual eligible"), your state's Medicaid program may provide additional hearing aid coverage beyond what Medicare offers.

Many states have Medicaid programs that cover hearing aids for both children and adults. Some states cover hearing aids as durable medical equipment, similar to wheelchairs or walkers. Others cover them through their rehabilitation services. The process for obtaining a hearing aid through Medicaid typically involves a prescription from a physician and fitting by an audiologist enrolled in the state's Medicaid program. Coverage limits, copays, and the specific devices covered vary significantly from state to state.

Some states also offer additional programs for seniors with hearing loss. For example, certain states have "hearing aid bank" programs that refurbish and redistribute used hearing aids at low or no cost. Other states offer grants or subsidies for hearing aids through aging services departments. Your state's department on aging or health department may have information about these programs. Contacting your local Area Agency on Aging can provide referrals to hearing aid programs in your region.

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