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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A CONSUMER’S GUIDE TO HEALTH INSURANCE FOR PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE OR FROM THIS INSURER

Empire BlueCross BlueShield is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal. Services provided by Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc. licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.

Services provided by Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield 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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