Millions of people suffer from hearing loss. Many of them require hearing aids, but are concerned about the high cost. Does insurance cover hearing aids? This question is crucial when you are confronted with expensive medical devices. The response really hinges on the type of insurance you have and the details of your policy. Let’s review the available coverage options and how you can get help covering the cost of these devices.
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Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?
The level of coverage depends to a great extent on your insurance plan. The majority of the health insurance plans through traditional carriers typically do not cover hearing aids for adults. On the other hand, a few plans may offer limited coverage or discounts.
Medicare Coverage
Generally, Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids. The program covers doctors’ ordered diagnostic hearing exams. The devices, however, are not covered.
Medicare Advantage plans may include hearing aid benefits. These private plans might give:
- Annual allowances for hearing aids
- Discounts on specific brands
- Coverage for one or both ears
- Routine hearing exams
You should check your specific Medicare Advantage plan. Benefits are subject to annual changes.
Private Health Insurance
Hearing aids might be covered by your private insurance. Consult your policy documents thoroughly. Hearing aids are often considered elective by many plans, not medically necessary equipment.
Some employer plans might offer better coverage. A lot of big companies negotiate hearing aid benefits. You can get in touch with your human resources department for clarification on what your plan includes.
The extent of coverage is different:
- Complete coverage is very uncommon.
- Partial coverage may vary from $500 to $2,500 per ear.
- Some plans only cover children, but not adults.
- Replacement schedules normally allow getting new devices every three to five years.
Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid coverage is determined by your state. According to federal law, Medicaid must cover hearing aids for children under 21. As for adults, the rules vary depending on the state.
Some states offer full coverage. Other states provide a limited number of benefits or none at all. The best way to have detailed information on your coverage is to contact your state Medicaid office.
What Types of Insurance Plans Offer Hearing Aid Coverage?
Insurance plans differ in their coverage of hearing aids. Knowing your choices allows you to get the most out of your benefits.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
With an HMO plan, hearing aid coverage is possible only if the services are within the network. Referral from the primary care physician is necessary. Without network coverage, the insurance usually does not pay for hearing aids.
Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)
A PPO plan gives you greater liberty. You can consult a specialist without a referral from the primary doctor. How much you get covered depends on whether your providers are in-network or out-of-network.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
The VA healthcare system offers veterans with hearing loss caused by service free hearing aids. The VA hands out the equipment for free when it:
- Hearing aid fitting and programming
- Batteries and Repairs
- Replacement devices when needed
- Follow-up appointments
Based on income and other factors, veterans without service-connected conditions might still be eligible for VA assistance.
Supplemental Insurance
Occasionally, some insurance carriers provide additional hearing insurance.
These are independent policies that focus solely on hearing care. They operate similarly to dental or vision insurance.
Regular benefits are often:
- Annual hearing exams
- Discounts on hearing aids
- Battery supplies
- Maintenance and repairs
The monthly premium can vary between $15 and $50.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost Without Insurance?
Hearing aids are expensive. Prices vary based on technology and features.
| Basic analog | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Mid-range digital | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Premium digital | $4,000 – $6,000+ |
| Over-the-counter | $200 – $1,000 |
Total costs include the devices plus professional services. Audiologists charge for fittings and adjustments. Budget for these additional expenses.
What Alternatives Are There to Cover the Cost of Hearing Aids?
Besides insurance, you can explore several other options. There are quite a few programs and tactics that can help you get a discount.
Manufacturer Financing
Most hearing aid manufacturers have payment plans, so you can pay over time. Typically, the repayment period is between one and two years, but the interest rate depends on the manufacturer.
Nonprofit Organizations
Certain charitable organizations assist individuals in getting hearing aids. Some of the organizations that can help you are:
- Hearing Loss Association of America
- Starkey Hearing Foundation
- Lions Club International
- Sertoma
These organizations have criteria for admission. Many of them mainly help people with limited income, and some target particular groups.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
You can use pre-tax earnings to pay for hearing aids. By using FSAs and HSAs, you end up paying less because these accounts are tax-advantaged. As a result, you get to keep some of the money that you’ll have otherwise paid as taxes, which can be used to cover the cost of hearing aids.
There are limits on how much you can put into these accounts, so it’s best to plan according to the IRS rules.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Local vocational rehabilitation agencies can provide a hearing aid if the hearing impairment is a barrier to getting or being employed. They are geared towards assisting people in the workforce and those who are looking for a job.
Related: What Age Does Life Insurance Expire?
Conclusion
Hearing aids are still a far cry from being covered by insurance for a lot of people. Medicare usually excludes hearing aids from its coverage. Private insurance differs considerably. Children with Medicaid have coverage for hearing aids throughout the US; however, depending on the state, you may or may not be able to get coverage for adults. Those who are veterans and have employer plans can probably get better deals.
Do not limit yourself to just one or two options – check out nonprofit assistance and tax-advantaged accounts as well. Investigate your particular policy and inquire. The sooner you do something, the better hearing health-related affordable solutions you will find.
