Are Hearing Aids Covered by Insurance?
 Written by Preston Micalizio Preston MicalizioPreston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing ... Read more |  Edited by Richard MurphyRichard MurphyRichard Murphy manages content on SmartFinancial's website. With a strong background in content strategy and copywriting... Read more |
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Hearing aids aren’t typically covered by health insurance, but may be depending on state laws. Hearing loss can become more common for seniors, so ensuring you have the right health coverage can help reduce high out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids.
Keep reading to learn when hearing aids are covered by insurance, what potential costs might look like and ways to help make hearing aids more affordable.
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Key Takeaways
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Can Health Insurance Help Cover Hearing Aids?
Health insurance may cover hearing aids, but it generally doesn’t.[1] This means you may be responsible for some or all of the cost of hearing aids. Whether you have coverage for hearing aids depends on your state laws, the type of insurance you have and your age.
Hearing Aid Coverage
As of 2026, 35 states have requirements for private health insurers either through a state insurance benefit mandate or the state’s Essential Health Benefits Benchmark.[2] Of these states, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire and Rhode Island require coverage for adults as well.[3]
However, requirements may vary by state, so ensure you review your state's laws to determine whether you’re eligible for coverage. For example, some states, such as Alaska, Hawaii, and New York, only require hearing aid coverage for private insurance purchased through their state marketplaces. Other states, such as Georgia, Montana, and Ohio, have coverage mandates only for private insurance purchased outside their marketplaces.[2]
However, hearing aid coverage for adults on Medicaid varies by state and may include specific requirements. For example, Medicaid in Alaska requires prior authorization for hearing aids, while in Maine, it only covers the cost of one hearing aid every five years.[5]
Why Doesn't Insurance Cover the Costs of Hearing Aids?
Insurers don’t cover the costs of hearing aids unless required by state or federal mandates, arguing that they aren’t medically necessary devices.[1] However, 65.3% of adults ages 71 and older and 96.2% of those age 90 experience some form of hearing loss.[6] Given the significantly higher risk of hearing loss, especially as one ages, insurance companies may choose to avoid covering hearing aids and services when they aren’t required to reduce the number of claims and their associated costs.[7]
How Much Is a Hearing Aid Out of Pocket?
The average cost of a prescription hearing aid generally ranges from $2,500 to $3,000, although it isn’t unusual for some models to cost upward of $8,000 or more.[8] These prices are primarily determined by the limited number of hearing aid manufacturers who pass the costs of research and development along to their customers. Final pricing is also determined by hearing aid clinics, which weigh whether the hearing device is bundled with professional care services and the device's technology.[9]
While over-the-counter hearing aids previously faced limited regulation and might not work effectively, laws enacted in 2022 raised safety and effectiveness standards for those sold without a prescription. These devices typically range from $800 to $1,500, though some models can cost as little as $100. However, not every over-the-counter hearing aid model will suit every individual, either because it doesn't fit correctly, lacks critical features or doesn't adequately meet their hearing needs.[8][10]
What Type of Insurance Might Cover Hearing Aids?
A few types of insurance cover hearing aids, but coverage may be dependent on meeting eligibility requirements and state mandates. Some of these insurance types include:
- Private health insurance: May cover the cost of hearing aids, but this depends on your age and state laws. Some providers may still cover hearing aids if not required to by the state, so ensure you shop around when looking for hearing aid coverage.
- Medicaid: Medicaid covers hearing aids and services for children under 21. Adults may still be covered for hearing aids under Medicaid if they meet eligibility requirements, but this varies by state.
- Medicare Advantage: Depending on the provider of Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), you may have coverage for hearing aids. Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover hearing aids, but Part B may cover hearing exams if a doctor orders them.[3]
- TRICARE: The health plan for military service members and their families covers the cost of hearing aids if you meet the criteria. However, this coverage doesn’t extend to veterans.[3]
How Can I Get Affordable Hearing Aids?
Even if you’re left paying for hearing aids out of pocket, there are a few avenues to make them more affordable. Below, we’ll cover a few ways to lower the costs of hearing aids.
Financial Assistance
There are a few options for those who need financial assistance to help make hearing aids more affordable:[3]
- Medicaid can help those with income below the qualifying amount in their state by covering hearing aids or helping lower costs.
- Some clinics and over-the-counter brands, such as Lexie Hearing or Audicus, offer financing plans to help break the costs of hearing aids into smaller, routine payments.
- Some government programs, such as the Veterans Affairs (VA), the Lions Club, the Indian Health Service and state vocational rehabilitation programs, can help make hearing aids more affordable through discounts and other benefits.
- You may get financial assistance through charities and nonprofits, such as the Miracle-Ear Foundation, Hearing Aid Project and Help America Hear.
Discounts
Some insurance companies may offer benefits or discounts to help make hearing aids affordable:[3]
- United Healthcare: Covers hearing aids for major brands. Policyholders can also get free exams, 20% off hearing aids and 15% off accessories through AARP.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: Policyholders in the BCBS Federal Employee Program can qualify for discounted rates and up to $2,500 in hearing aid discounts every five years.
- Humana: Policyholders can bundle hearing aid benefits with vision and dental as part of Humana Extend, a Medicare Advantage plan.
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- Are Hearing Aids Covered By Insurance
Preston Micalizio writes insurance content for SmartFinancial. He brings three years of professional experience writing in various industries, from higher education to e-commerce. He strives to engage with the audience, provide accurate reporting and make complex subjects easily digestible.
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