Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

The relationship between hearing aids and health care coverage is complex, with a lot of confusing and inconsistent information out there.
For example, only 1 in 10 children in California wears hearing aids that are covered by private health insurance. At The Hearing Solution, we are part of a larger movement to correct this glaring gap.
For adults, however, the landscape isn’t much better. In fact, one of the most popular questions we receive is whether hearing aids are covered by insurance – which is why we’ve written an article that covers this very topic.
But what about Medicare?
You’d think that hearing aids would be covered under this Federal program. This is especially true since Medicare targets seniors – a demographic group that is disproportionately dependent on hearing aids and other assistive hearing technologies.
Surely retirees would qualify for hearing aid coverage under Medicare.
But sadly, the short answer is “no” – they’re not.
Hearing Aids under Medicare – What Is and Isn’t Covered
To say that Medicare does not cover hearing aids at all is misleading. The program actually does cover up to 80% of diagnostic hearing tests performed by licensed audiologists.
These exams typically include:
- Tinnitus screening
- Auditory processing
- Osseointegrated hearing aids
But diagnostic screening is only covered if you are referred to that audiologist by a licensed physician first.
The hearing aids themselves, however, are not covered under Medicare.
Worse still, any tests conducted during the hearing aid fitting and customization process must also be paid entirely out-of-pocket. This is true whether you go through an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser.
Other Ways to Cover Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are essential for healthy living. But the average retiree on a limited income can’t easily shell out the thousands of dollars required to receive, fit and customize the right hearing aid solutions.
So what does this mean for you and your family?
The good news is that you still have options.
1. Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage is a paid supplemental program that retirees can add to their primary Medicare coverage. It comes with a host of benefits and restrictions – depending on the exact plan you choose.
If your Medicare Advantage coverage includes HMOs, for example, your policy may cover a small portion of hearing aids and routine audiological services. However, you will be restricted to certain hearing aid providers within the network. Having access to a limited selection of hearing aids and tests could prevent you from receiving the full benefit of corrective hearing treatment.
We can work with your HMO to determine the exact extent of your coverage. But as a general rule, we discourage our patients from using these plans because of the built-in limitations outlined above.
2. Private Health Insurance
Another popular option is to use private health care insurance to cover the cost of hearing aids. Note, however, that this coverage isn’t automatic. It depends on which provider and policy you choose. And even then, navigating the landscape isn’t easy, given all the exclusions and exemptions embedded in many health care plans.
At The Hearing Solution, we can help you explore some of the different health insurance plans out there to find the best fit for your needs. Just keep in mind that we don’t currently accept HMO coverage at our Sacramento clinic.
3. California Medicaid (Medi-Cal)
Medicaid is a federal-state program designed for low-income families and people with disabilities. It also provides long-term care for seniors.
Because Medicaid is partially run at the state level, it goes by different names and rules – depending on where you live.
In California, the program is officially known as Medi-Cal. And eligible patients qualify for up to $1,510 of hearing aid coverage per year.
We can help determine your eligibility under the program. However, The Hearing Solution is not currently a Medi-Cal provider.
Let Us Help You Find the Hearing Aid Coverage You Need
Because the ability to hear is so fundamental to healthy and happy living, hearing aid access and coverage should be automatic – whether you are a newborn baby or a retired pensioner.
But sadly, it isn’t. And as a result, many patients have no choice but to explore over-the-counter hearing aid solutions – often with terrible results.
We don’t want this to happen to you.
Although we can’t force policymakers or insurance providers to do the right thing, we can help you navigate the health care market to ensure you receive the best coverage possible.
If you need hearing aids and want to begin exploring your health care options, schedule an appointment with us today.
Interested in learning more? Attend one of our regular hearing solution events to learn more about our unique approach to hearing loss or give us a call at 916-646-2471.
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As a physician, I am very particular about precision, attitude and patient care. I have had hearing problems for a number of years but was unsatisfied with my experience at Costco and the Major HMO in the Sacramento area. My experience at The Hearing Solution was dramatically better. From diagnosis through explanation through the careful trial periods of different brands the excellence of service, attentiveness to care and flexibility of service was outstanding. There is absolutedly no comparison between the mass market approach and The Hearing Solution. I would not have believed that the process of finding the proper hearing aid for myself could be so radically better. The Hearing Solution gets my highest rating.
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I just participated in my first lip reading class with you. Wow! I am so grateful for the quality job you do in teaching me over zoom, how to better focus, hold and remember information. As I grow older (everyday!) I find my attention, patience and recall not working as well as I am used to. Thank you for teaching me such valuable lessons. I look forward to continuing with you!
Featured Review
The staff is professional, thorough, and gracious. We could not have been happier. You are also met with refreshments and lovely sweets in the waiting room, the entire space is clean and beautifully appointed. 10/10.
Featured Review
Hearing evaluation and updates to existing aids. Fabulous results!
Featured Review
I am thrilled with the service, responsiveness and assistance The Hearing Solution provides me. The service I received from my previous audiologist does not come close.
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The office and staff were very nice. It is a very pleasant atmosphere. I saw Elizabeth and she was very friendly and professional. I enjoyed my visit and plan to return next month for a follow up.
Featured Review
The process of evaluation was very professional, comfortable, and unrushed. Kirsten is very easy to work with. I understand why Dr. Chang recommended her. All of my questions were answered in a clear manner, and I am confident in the process. My interactions with the office prior to the hearing evaluation were excellent. I look forward to the next visit. Best regards, Bill
Featured Review
Very professional and we'll be connected to processing claims for hearing loss with the Department of Labor
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A great visit, I learned a lot and of course, would highly recommend it! Looking forward to my next visit on the 8th. Am hoping to get the recipe for the best peanut butter cookie I've had since becoming a celiac too. Thank you Rita Thompson Thank you, Rita Thompson
Featured Review
From my 1st appointment with Dr. McWilliams I knew I was in good hands. The level of care she provides is unmatched. My Urroz was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Featured Review
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As a physician, I am very particular about precision, attitude and patient care. I have had hearing problems for a number of years but was unsatisfied with my experience at Costco and the Major HMO in the Sacramento area. My experience at The Hearing Solution was dramatically better. From diagnosis through explanation through the careful trial periods of different brands the excellence of service, attentiveness to care and flexibility of service was outstanding. There is absolutedly no comparison between the mass market approach and The Hearing Solution. I would not have believed that the process of finding the proper hearing aid for myself could be so radically better. The Hearing Solution gets my highest rating.
Featured Review
The staff was pleasant, friendly, professional and explained the whole process. I could not have expected better service.
Featured Review
Provided a full and extensive hearing exam and matched a hearing aid that best met my needs. No high-pressure sales. Very friendly and professional. The hearing aids take a little to get used too but very happy. I Can hear out both ears for first time in five or six years.
Featured Review
I felt that my concerns were listened to fully. And I quickly realized that I could benefit from Kristen’s level of professional skills. And where else would a staff member flag me down on the street to make sure I found the right building! I felt so pleased and comfortable in your office. Many thanks! Betsy Major
Featured Review
I loved everything about my experience with Hearing Solutions, Everyone is so nice and very accommodating through the whole process until we secured the right fit for me. I recommend The Hearing Solutions to everyone that has a hearing problem!!!
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Very friendly staff and goes that extra mile to make sure you have what you need. Thank you so much.
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Excellent, knowledgeable, professional, lovely. What else is there to say.
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Going in is a pleasure. Everyone is courteous and makes you feel welcome. Very knowledgeable, helpful and timely. What more could you ask for?
Featured Review
Friendly, professional, and honest. They hugely helped me navigate what steps to take to improve my misophonia (not tinnitus)
Featured Review
Very friendly environment. Helpful and knowledgeable about hearing issues and resolution. I felt right at home here.
Featured Review
Last summer I took my near-deaf sister to see Dr. Kristen. Within two hours she did the test, reprogrammed my late father’s Resound hearing aids, cleaning, and fitting. She walked out of the office, could even hear sounds from her back. Yesterday during her second service visit, Dr. Kristen even helped pull out her ear wax in both sides. Not only did she restore my sister’s hearing, her gentle, kind, and caring manners build up my sister’s confidence. She could even do zoom Bible study now. A great doctor with a beautiful heart!
Featured Review
I left your office today without the opportunity to say thank you. I just wanted to write and tell you that my appointment today was by far the best experience I've had with any audiologist in my 20+ years of hearing loss. As I write this I am listening to Schubert songs and hearing them better than I have in years. No distortion! And German text fairly understandable, especially given my old, weathered, damaged ears. Thank you so much for your patience and your incredibly positive attitude throughout the process today. Looking forward to seeing you next week!
Featured Review
I can not rave enough about the Hearing Solution in Sacramento. The staff is so friendly and efficient and you feel at home the minute you enter the office, The expertise of the audiologist and the technical assistants is superior. The “techies” are especially patient and are available to help you most any time. You will never leave there without your hearing needs being met.
Featured Review
I just participated in my first lip reading class with you. Wow! I am so grateful for the quality job you do in teaching me over zoom, how to better focus, hold and remember information. As I grow older (everyday!) I find my attention, patience and recall not working as well as I am used to. Thank you for teaching me such valuable lessons. I look forward to continuing with you!
Featured Review
The staff is professional, thorough, and gracious. We could not have been happier. You are also met with refreshments and lovely sweets in the waiting room, the entire space is clean and beautifully appointed. 10/10.
Featured Review
Hearing evaluation and updates to existing aids. Fabulous results!
Featured Review
I am thrilled with the service, responsiveness and assistance The Hearing Solution provides me. The service I received from my previous audiologist does not come close.
Featured Review
The office and staff were very nice. It is a very pleasant atmosphere. I saw Elizabeth and she was very friendly and professional. I enjoyed my visit and plan to return next month for a follow up.
Featured Review
The process of evaluation was very professional, comfortable, and unrushed. Kirsten is very easy to work with. I understand why Dr. Chang recommended her. All of my questions were answered in a clear manner, and I am confident in the process. My interactions with the office prior to the hearing evaluation were excellent. I look forward to the next visit. Best regards, Bill
Featured Review
Very professional and we'll be connected to processing claims for hearing loss with the Department of Labor
Featured Review
A great visit, I learned a lot and of course, would highly recommend it! Looking forward to my next visit on the 8th. Am hoping to get the recipe for the best peanut butter cookie I've had since becoming a celiac too. Thank you Rita Thompson Thank you, Rita Thompson
Featured Review
From my 1st appointment with Dr. McWilliams I knew I was in good hands. The level of care she provides is unmatched. My Urroz was also extremely helpful and knowledgeable.
Featured Review
One of the nicest professional places I have ever been. Very pleased and would recommend their services to anyone.
Featured Review
As a physician, I am very particular about precision, attitude and patient care. I have had hearing problems for a number of years but was unsatisfied with my experience at Costco and the Major HMO in the Sacramento area. My experience at The Hearing Solution was dramatically better. From diagnosis through explanation through the careful trial periods of different brands the excellence of service, attentiveness to care and flexibility of service was outstanding. There is absolutedly no comparison between the mass market approach and The Hearing Solution. I would not have believed that the process of finding the proper hearing aid for myself could be so radically better. The Hearing Solution gets my highest rating.
Featured Review
The staff was pleasant, friendly, professional and explained the whole process. I could not have expected better service.
Featured Review
Provided a full and extensive hearing exam and matched a hearing aid that best met my needs. No high-pressure sales. Very friendly and professional. The hearing aids take a little to get used too but very happy. I Can hear out both ears for first time in five or six years.
Featured Review
I felt that my concerns were listened to fully. And I quickly realized that I could benefit from Kristen’s level of professional skills. And where else would a staff member flag me down on the street to make sure I found the right building! I felt so pleased and comfortable in your office. Many thanks! Betsy Major
Featured Review
I loved everything about my experience with Hearing Solutions, Everyone is so nice and very accommodating through the whole process until we secured the right fit for me. I recommend The Hearing Solutions to everyone that has a hearing problem!!!
Featured Review
Very friendly staff and goes that extra mile to make sure you have what you need. Thank you so much.
Featured Review
Excellent, knowledgeable, professional, lovely. What else is there to say.
Featured Review
Very professional, thorough, patient, friendly, educational and beautiful office setting. No pressure to sell a product, take it at your own pace. Highly recommend Kirsten and staff.
Featured Review
Going in is a pleasure. Everyone is courteous and makes you feel welcome. Very knowledgeable, helpful and timely. What more could you ask for?
Featured Review
Friendly, professional, and honest. They hugely helped me navigate what steps to take to improve my misophonia (not tinnitus)
Featured Review
Very friendly environment. Helpful and knowledgeable about hearing issues and resolution. I felt right at home here.
Featured Review
Last summer I took my near-deaf sister to see Dr. Kristen. Within two hours she did the test, reprogrammed my late father’s Resound hearing aids, cleaning, and fitting. She walked out of the office, could even hear sounds from her back. Yesterday during her second service visit, Dr. Kristen even helped pull out her ear wax in both sides. Not only did she restore my sister’s hearing, her gentle, kind, and caring manners build up my sister’s confidence. She could even do zoom Bible study now. A great doctor with a beautiful heart!
Featured Review
I left your office today without the opportunity to say thank you. I just wanted to write and tell you that my appointment today was by far the best experience I've had with any audiologist in my 20+ years of hearing loss. As I write this I am listening to Schubert songs and hearing them better than I have in years. No distortion! And German text fairly understandable, especially given my old, weathered, damaged ears. Thank you so much for your patience and your incredibly positive attitude throughout the process today. Looking forward to seeing you next week!
Featured Review
I can not rave enough about the Hearing Solution in Sacramento. The staff is so friendly and efficient and you feel at home the minute you enter the office, The expertise of the audiologist and the technical assistants is superior. The “techies” are especially patient and are available to help you most any time. You will never leave there without your hearing needs being met.