What to Do When You Need Hearing Aids but Medicare Leaves You Hanging
You’re 65+ and struggling with hearing loss, only to find out Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids. You’re not alone. Millions face this issue every year—and many are shocked by the cost. Hearing aids typically run $1,000–$6,000 per pair. Here’s how to solve the problem if Medicare won’t pay.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans
- Some plans offer $0 copay for hearing aids.
- May cover hearing tests and devices
- Bundles hearing, vision, and dental coverage
- ✘ Not all plans include hearing aid coverage
- ✘ Coverage varies by state and plan provider
Who Needs It: Anyone on Medicare who wants bundled benefits and doesn’t mind switching plans
Who Doesn’t: Those happy with Original Medicare and don’t want managed care
Medicaid (for Low-Income Seniors)
- May cover hearing aids depending on your state.
- Covers hearing exams and hearing aids in some states
- No premium if you qualify
- ✘ Strict income and asset limits
- ✘ Not all states offer coverage
Who Needs It: Low-income seniors or disabled individuals needing comprehensive aid
Who Doesn’t: Those who exceed Medicaid income limits
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
- VA covers hearing aids for eligible veterans.
- Free or low-cost hearing aids
- Includes follow-up services and batteries
- ✘ Long wait times
- ✘ Must receive care through the VA system
Who Needs It: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare
Who Doesn’t: Non-veterans or veterans not using VA health services
Discount Hearing Programs & Retailers
- Some programs offer devices 60% cheaper than audiologists.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now FDA-approved
- Big-box retailers like Costco offer affordable options
- ✘ OTC aids aren’t suitable for severe hearing loss
- ✘ Limited personalized fitting and support
Who Needs It: Mild-to-moderate hearing loss patients looking for low-cost solutions
Who Doesn’t: Those with complex hearing needs or severe loss
Use a Fixed Indexed Annuity to Fund Long-Term Health Costs
- Generate guaranteed lifetime income to pay for devices.
- Pays 5–8% annually for life with GLWB riders
- Inflation protection and lower fees than managed accounts
- Passes remaining funds to beneficiaries
- ✘ Not liquid—may include surrender charges
- ✘ Requires upfront funding
Who Needs It: Seniors with retirement savings who want guaranteed income for healthcare costs
Who Doesn’t: Those with no retirement assets or who need short-term liquidity
Also Consider: Adding long-term care insurance with a hearing benefit add-on or bundling with dental and vision insurance.
Bottom Line
Original Medicare won’t help—but you still have options. Compare Medicare Advantage plans, VA or Medicaid eligibility, OTC alternatives, and income strategies like annuities.
Contact The Annuity Expert’s financial advisors and insurance agents for free quotes and coverage comparisons. There’s no obligation—just solutions.
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Questions From Our Readers
Why doesn’t Medicare cover hearing aids?
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids because they’re considered routine, elective devices rather than medically necessary treatment under current law. When Medicare was created in 1965, Congress excluded hearing aids, dental, and vision care to limit program costs. As a result, beneficiaries must pay out of pocket or seek coverage through Medicare Advantage plans, private insurance, or discount programs.