Does Medicare Advantage Cover Hearing Aids?

Medicare Advantage covers hearing aids as an optional supplemental benefit, but Original Medicare does not. Coverage, device limits and annual allowances vary by plan.

Compare Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026 below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: April 21, 2026

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Key Takeaways

Most Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids as a supplemental benefit that Original Medicare doesn't include.

Annual allowances cap what MA plans pay, often $500 to $2,000 per year, leaving out high-end devices.

Compare plans during Annual Enrollment, October 15 through December 7, to find one with the hearing benefit you need.

Original Medicare covers diagnostic hearing exams only when medically necessary, not routine hearing tests or devices.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Include Hearing Aids?

Most Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids as a supplemental benefit that Original Medicare excludes. CMS allows MA plans to add supplemental benefits beyond Original Medicare, with a majority of MA plans including a hearing benefit. Coverage is plan-specific: the allowance amount, covered device types and network audiologist requirements vary by plan. Health insurance benefits through Medicare Advantage can include hearing aids, but the benefit must be listed in the plan's Summary of Benefits at enrollment.

Whether a beneficiary gets hearing aid coverage depends on whether the enrollee's MA plan listed hearing as a supplemental benefit at the time of enrollment. Plans without the benefit cannot add it mid-year.

Hearing aids (standard and rechargeable models)

When the plan includes a hearing supplemental benefit, both standard and rechargeable hearing aid models are covered. The plan's allowance applies to devices purchased through network providers. Some plans limit coverage to specific device tiers (basic, standard or premium).

Fitting and dispensing fees

When performed by a network audiologist or hearing care provider, fitting and dispensing fees are covered under the hearing benefit. These fees typically include the initial device programming and patient education session. Out-of-network providers may not be reimbursed, depending on plan type.

Follow-up adjustments and reprogramming

Follow-up adjustments and reprogramming within the benefit year are covered when performed by the same network provider who dispensed the device. Most plans allow two to three follow-up visits per device fitting at no additional cost.

Hearing exams required to qualify for coverage

Hearing exams required to qualify for hearing aid coverage under the plan are covered when ordered by a physician and performed by a network audiologist. The exam determines medical necessity and device prescription. Some plans require a separate physician referral before the audiologist visit.

Batteries and accessories

Batteries and accessories are covered if the plan's benefit explicitly includes them. Many plans exclude batteries and accessories from the annual allowance, requiring out-of-pocket payment. Check the Summary of Benefits for the specific list of covered accessories.

One or both ears

Coverage applies to one or both ears, depending on whether the plan allowance applies per device or per pair. A plan with a $1,000 per-ear allowance covers up to $2,000 for bilateral fittings. Plans that specify "per pair" apply the full allowance to two devices combined.

What Medicare Advantage Hearing Aid Coverage Doesn't Include

The Medicare Advantage hearing aid supplemental benefit is optional, not mandated by CMS, so coverage gaps are common. Plans without the benefit, devices priced above the annual allowance and out-of-network providers represent the highest-impact exclusions beneficiaries encounter. Enrollees who select a plan without a hearing benefit cannot add that coverage until the next Annual Enrollment Period, October 15 through December 7.

Plans without a hearing supplemental benefit

Original Medicare only covers diagnostic audiology when medically necessary, not devices. Medicare Advantage plans that don't list hearing as a supplemental benefit in the Summary of Benefits provide no hearing aid coverage. Enrollees in these plans pay the full cost of devices out of pocket.

Hearing aids that exceed the plan's annual allowance

Balance billing applies when the device cost exceeds the plan's annual allowance. If a plan pays $1,500 per year and the hearing aid costs $3,000, the enrollee pays the $1,500 difference. High-end devices often exceed MA plan allowances.

Out-of-network providers

When the plan requires in-network audiologists, using an out-of-network provider means paying the full cost yourself. HMO plans typically enforce strict network requirements. PPO plans may cover out-of-network providers at a higher cost-share, but reimbursement is not guaranteed.

Premium hearing aid models above the covered tier

Some plans limit coverage to basic or mid-range devices and exclude premium models entirely. The plan's device tier list specifies which models qualify for the allowance. Upgrading to a premium model requires paying the full price difference out of pocket.

Cochlear implants

Cochlear implants are treated separately as a Medicare Part B medically necessary device, not a hearing aid benefit. Your MA plan processes cochlear implant claims under Part B cost-sharing rules, not the annual hearing allowance. The Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance apply.

Replacement devices within the same plan year

If the benefit has already been used, replacement devices within the same plan year are not covered. Most plans allow one device replacement per benefit year only if the original device was lost, stolen or damaged beyond repair. Documentation and prior authorization are required.

DISCLAIMER

Coverage applies only to enrolled Medicare Advantage plans that include a hearing supplemental benefit. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams.

How Does Medicare Advantage Hearing Aid Coverage Work?

The Medicare Advantage hearing aid allowance is a fixed dollar cap per benefit year, applied at the point of sale after the plan's cost-sharing is satisfied. Unused allowance amounts do not roll over to the next year. The allowance structure, network requirements and device tier limits determine what beneficiaries pay out of pocket for hearing aids.

Annual allowance cap and how it applies

The annual allowance cap is the maximum dollar amount the plan pays toward hearing aids in one benefit year. Some plans apply the allowance per ear, doubling the effective benefit for bilateral fittings. Other plans apply the allowance per pair, meaning two devices share the same cap. A plan with a $1,000 per-ear allowance covers up to $2,000 for two devices. Confirm whether the allowance is per ear or per pair in the Summary of Benefits before enrollment.

Network audiologist or hearing care provider requirement

Most MA plans require hearing aids to be purchased through a network audiologist or hearing care provider. HMO plans enforce strict network requirements and do not reimburse out-of-network providers. PPO plans may allow out-of-network providers at a higher cost-share, but the enrollee must verify coverage before the appointment. The plan's provider directory lists all network audiologists by county.

Device tier limits

Device tier limits determine which hearing aid models are fully or partially covered under the plan's allowance. Plans usually classify devices as basic, standard or premium. Basic-tier devices are fully covered up to the allowance. Standard-tier devices may require a copay. Premium-tier devices often exceed the allowance, requiring the enrollee to pay the balance. The audiologist provides a price list of models within each tier.

Prior authorization requirements

Some MA plans require prior authorization before approving hearing aid coverage. The audiologist submits the exam results and device prescription to the plan for approval. Under 42 CFR 422.568, plans must respond to standard prior authorization requests within 14 days. Plans may invoke a single 14-day extension when additional information is needed, bringing the maximum to 28 days. Expedited requests require a response within 72 hours. Scheduling a fitting appointment before receiving prior authorization can result in denied coverage.

How the plan year resets and what happens to unused benefit

The benefit year resets on January 1 for most MA plans. Unused allowance amounts do not roll over to the next year. If an enrollee uses $800 of a $1,500 allowance in one year, the remaining $700 is forfeited at year-end. The full $1,500 allowance becomes available again on January 1.

DOES YOUR PLAN PAY PER EAR OR PER PAIR?

Some MA plans apply the annual hearing allowance per ear, doubling the effective benefit for bilateral fittings, while others apply it per pair. A plan with a $1,000 per-ear allowance covers up to $2,000 for two devices. Confirm this detail in the Summary of Benefits before enrollment, not after a fitting appointment.

How Does Medicare Advantage Hearing Coverage Compare by Plan Type?

Medicare Advantage comes in several plan types, including HMO, PPO, PFFS and Special Needs Plans. The hearing benefit structure, including the annual allowance and provider network flexibility, differs across plan types. PPO plans may allow out-of-network audiologists at a higher cost-share, while HMO plans typically require in-network providers. Plan availability and benefit amounts vary by county.


HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)	Requires in-network audiologist; prior authorization often required; device tier limits common
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)	Allows out-of-network providers at higher cost-share; broader device tier options; prior auth less common
PFFS (Private Fee-for-Service)	Provider network flexibility varies by plan; enrollee must verify coverage before appointment
Special Needs Plans (SNPs)	Tailored benefits for chronic conditions; hearing benefit often included for dual-eligible enrollees

The plan type alone does not determine whether hearing aids are covered under Medicare Advantage. The hearing benefit must be listed in the plan's Annual Notice of Change or Summary of Benefits to apply in a given benefit year.

Does Original Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing tests. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing exams only when a physician orders them to rule out a medical condition, not for routine hearing loss screening.

The Part B deductible is $257 in 2026, per CMS, and 20% coinsurance applies to covered diagnostic exams after the deductible is met.
Hearing aids cost $1,000 to $7,000 per pair on average, with no Medicare reimbursement for any portion of the device cost.
Medicaid covers hearing aids for dual-eligible enrollees in most states, with coverage rules varying by state.
Medigap fills Original Medicare gaps but does not add hearing aid coverage, since Medigap only supplements existing Medicare benefits.
Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan with a hearing benefit is the primary path to device coverage for Original Medicare enrollees.

How to Get Hearing Aid Coverage Through Medicare Advantage

If you're a Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled in or considering a Medicare Advantage plan with a hearing supplemental benefit, this process applies to you. The plan must list hearing as a covered supplemental benefit in its Summary of Benefits. Completing these steps results in confirmed hearing aid coverage and an authorized fitting appointment.

1
Confirm your plan includes a hearing benefit
Pull your plan's Summary of Benefits from the insurer's website or call the member services number on your card. The hearing benefit section lists the annual allowance, covered device types and whether in-network audiologists are required.
2
Get a hearing exam from an authorized provider
Most MA plans require an audiologist or hearing care professional within their network to administer the exam before approving a device fitting. Some plans require a physician referral first. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage for the specific sequence.
3
Request prior authorization if your plan requires it
Plans that require prior auth for hearing aids will want the audiologist's exam results and a prescription for the device before approving coverage. Under 42 CFR 422.568, your plan must respond within 14 days of receiving a standard prior authorization request. The plan may extend this by up to 14 additional days if more information is needed, for a maximum of 28 days. Ask the audiologist's office to submit the PA request on your behalf and confirm receipt before scheduling the fitting.
4
Select a covered hearing aid model within your allowance
The plan's allowance determines which device tiers are fully or partially covered. Ask the audiologist for a price list of models within your allowance before committing to a device. Devices above the allowance require out-of-pocket payment for the balance.
5
Appeal the decision if coverage is denied
If the plan denies prior authorization or the claim after fitting, you have the right to file a formal appeal. MA plans must respond to standard appeals within 60 days and expedited appeals within 72 hours.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS IF YOUR PLAN DOESN'T COVER HEARING AIDS?

If your current MA plan has no hearing benefit, you can switch to a plan that does during Annual Enrollment (October 15 through December 7). Outside that window, Medicaid covers devices for dual-eligible enrollees and some private hearing discount programs offer reduced pricing without insurance. Verify network and allowance details before switching.

Should You Choose Medicare Advantage for Hearing Aid Coverage?

For most enrollees with hearing loss, a Medicare Advantage plan with a hearing benefit is the most accessible path to device coverage. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids at all and Medigap cannot add benefits that Medicare excludes. The plan's specific allowance and network must be confirmed before enrollment, since coverage varies widely by county and plan type.

Medicare Advantage Hearing Aid Coverage: FAQ

Medicare Advantage hearing aid coverage raises different questions depending on the plan type, benefit year and device cost. The frequently asked questions below address the most common scenarios directly:

How much do Medicare Advantage plans pay toward hearing aids?

Most Medicare Advantage plans with a hearing benefit pay $500 to $2,000 per year toward hearing aids, per CMS Landscape Files. The allowance applies after any plan cost-sharing and resets each benefit year. Amounts vary by plan and county.

Can I use Medicare Advantage hearing aid coverage for any audiologist?

HMO-based Medicare Advantage plans require in-network audiologists or hearing care providers. PPO plans may allow out-of-network providers at a higher cost-share. Using an out-of-network provider in an HMO plan typically means paying the full cost yourself.

What covers hearing aids if my Medicare Advantage plan doesn't include the benefit?

Medicaid covers hearing aids for dual-eligible enrollees in most states. Some Medicare Supplement plans bundle hearing discount programs, though Medigap doesn't add benefits Original Medicare excludes. Switching to an MA plan with a hearing benefit at next Annual Enrollment is the most direct option.

What can I do if my Medicare Advantage plan denies hearing aid coverage?

File a formal appeal with your plan within 60 days of the denial notice. Submit the audiologist's exam results and device prescription with your appeal. MA plans must respond to standard appeals within 60 days and expedited appeals within 72 hours.

Does Medicare Advantage cover cochlear implants in addition to hearing aids?

Cochlear implants are covered under Medicare Part B as a medically necessary device, separate from the hearing aid supplemental benefit. Your MA plan processes cochlear implant claims under Part B cost-sharing rules, not the annual hearing allowance.

Can I change my Medicare Advantage plan if mine doesn't cover hearing aids?

You can switch Medicare Advantage plans during Annual Enrollment, October 15 through December 7, or during the MA Open Enrollment Period, January 1 through March 31. A plan change takes effect the first day of the following month.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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