Hearing Care Benefits

This page provides information on various approaches to obtaining care for hearing-related issues. It is essential to verify any details with a licensed health insurance representative before taking any medical action. The page discusses Medicaid, Medicare, and other services that offer financial assistance to those in need.

Insurance Coverage

Discover the ins and outs of insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare coverage for hearing devices and services

State-specific Policies

Learn about state-specific trial periods of hearing aids and other regulations that can impact your hearing device journey

Personalized Guidance

Leverage our comprehensive resources to navigate the complexities of hearing health

Choose your state to see detailed hearing aid coverage information specific to your location.

General Information
by Insurance

Medicare
  • Hearing Aid Coverage
    • Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. You pay 100% of the cost for hearing aids and exams.
    • Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover – like vision, hearing, or dental. Contact the plan for more information.
  • Medicare divided into parts:
    • Part A: Hospital Insurance 
    • Part B: Medical Insurance
    • Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans: offered by private companies approved by medicare that cover additional services like vision, dental, hearing, etc.
      • Contact information: 
    • Part D: prescription drug coverage 
  • Where can I learn more information? 
    • https://www.medicare.gov/
    • 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
    • Address: Medicare Contact Center Operations, PO Box 1270, Lawrence, KS 66044
Medicaid
  • Hearing Aids
    • Medicaid often covers hearing aids for adults and must cover them for children.
    • However, coverage varies by state and Medicaid program, and may include income eligibility requirements. 
    • Check out the interactive map above and click on your state to find general Medicaid coverage in your area.
  • Who does Medicaid cover? 
    • Children 
    • Pregnant women/children 
    • Those receiving supplemental security income (SSI) 
    • All adults with incomes up to 138% of Federal Poverty Level
      • 41 states do this (including DC) 
      • States that don’t: WY, KS, TX, TN, MS, AL, GA, SC, FL
  • How do I get coverage for hearing associated care? 
    • Depending on state and eligibility, many medicaid plans cover hearing associated services. 
    • Check out other financial assistance programs in your area to cover needed costs 
  • Where can I learn more information? 
Private Insurance

Contact Information

Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • What services are offered by the VA?
    • The VA provides a range of services to help veterans manage hearing loss and maintain hearing aid devices, including:
      • Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices: Coverage includes advanced digital hearing aids and various assistive listening devices.
      • Hearing Aid Accessories: Batteries, chargers, and other essential accessories are covered.
      • Repair and Replacement: The VA offers repairs, replacements, and tune-ups as needed for qualifying veterans.
      • Hearing Evaluations: The VA provides comprehensive hearing evaluations to assess eligibility and ensure veterans receive appropriate devices for their needs.
  • Who is eligible to receive these services?
    • Veterans enrolled in VA health care must meet certain criteria to qualify for hearing aids and related services through the VA:
      • VA Health Care Eligibility: Eligible veterans generally include those who served in active duty and were honorably discharged, with some specific criteria based on service history, income, and disability status. 
      • Hearing Loss Threshold: Veterans need a documented level of hearing loss that meets the VA’s eligibility threshold.
      • Income-Based Eligibility: Some veterans who do not meet the threshold for hearing loss may still qualify if they fall under specific income requirements.
  • How do I access these services?
    • Veterans can access these services through VA health care facilities or by contacting the VA’s Prosthetics and Sensory Aids Service (PSAS). The process includes:
      • Enroll in VA Health Care: Veterans must first be enrolled in VA health care to access hearing care services.
      • Schedule an Evaluation: A VA audiologist will conduct a hearing assessment to determine eligibility and assess specific needs.
      • Order and Maintain Equipment: Veterans eligible for hearing aids can order hearing devices, batteries, and accessories through VA’s MyHealtheVet portal, by phone contacting their local VA audiology clinic or Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service, or by mail for direct delivery to their home. 
TRICARE
  • What services are offered by TRICARE?
    • TRICARE provides hearing-related coverage primarily to active-duty service members and eligible family members, including:
      • Hearing Aids and Fittings: Coverage includes hearing aids and necessary fittings for qualifying individuals.
      • Repairs and Replacements: Hearing aids and related equipment can be repaired or replaced under TRICARE, depending on eligibility and specific needs.
      • Testing and Evaluations: Hearing tests and evaluations are provided to assess the level of hearing loss and determine eligibility for hearing aids.
  • Who is eligible to receive these services?
    • Eligibility for TRICARE hearing aid coverage varies based on service member status and specific criteria:
      • Active-Duty Service Members: Active-duty members are eligible for hearing aids as needed.
      • Family Members and Children: Coverage extends to certain dependents, particularly children with documented hearing loss who meet TRICARE’s eligibility requirements.
      • Retirees and Others: Retirees and their family members are not eligible with the exception of TRICARE Prime- or USFHP-enrolled children who meet criteria. Retirees may be able to buy hearing aids for a lower price through the Retiree-At-Cost Hearing Aid Program. Contact your local military hospital or clinic to see if the program is available.
  • How do I access these services?
    • Eligible service members and families can access hearing care through the TRICARE network:
      • Confirm Eligibility: Consult with a TRICARE representative to ensure eligibility based on plan type and specific needs.
      • Get a Referral or Authorization: Many hearing services require a referral from a primary care provider within the TRICARE network.
      • Select a Provider: Choose an authorized TRICARE provider to conduct hearing evaluations and fit hearing aids as required.
      • Order Hearing Aids: Once eligibility and need are established, the audiologist will coordinate with TRICARE to order hearing aids for you. Your provider will guide you on ordering and receiving the devices through TRICARE-approved suppliers.
  • Where can I learn more information? 
    • For further details or assistance with coverage and provider information, veterans can consult the following resources:
      • Visit the TRICARE website 
      • Visit TRICARE Contact page to look up the phone number for your specific TRICARE-related contractors, partners, and Military Health System (MHS).