Over time, we naturally lose our ability to hear well. But does Medicare provide any coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids? And what about medical issues with your ears…does Medicare cover that?
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans will cover medically necessary services related to medical issues with your ears and balance. This will run through Part B medical/outpatient benefits. However, there is a difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans when it comes to routine hearing and hearing aids:
With Original Medicare, there is no coverage for routine hearing exams and hearing aids. However, your Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan may include additional benefits/discounts for these services, so be sure to confirm with your plan.
With a Medicare Advantage Plan, there could be coverage for routine hearing exams and hearing aids. Some plans include a built-in routine hearing exam benefit and possibly even discounted hearing aids or allowances toward purchasing hearing aids. Sometimes you’ll have an option to “buy-up” and get more coverage for these supplemental benefits, as well. It’s become more common for Medicare Advantage plans to offer hearing aid benefits, but it depends on the plan. Each plan is unique, so be sure to confirm the details in the Summary of Benefits.
Reference Links
www.medicare.gov
Routine Hearing & Hearing Aids
Hearing & Balance Exams
Neither Medicare Mindset LLC nor its agents are connected with the Federal Medicare program.
