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Be Sure to Check Your Health Insurance Policy for Hearing Aid Coverage

Traditional health insurance plans and Original Medicare (Parts A and B) typically do not cover prescription hearing aids, classifying them as elective or non-covered devices.



However, coverage varies widely depending on your specific insurance type, age, and state.

What is Covered by Insurance?

  • Original Medicare (Parts A & B): No coverage for hearing aids or routine hearing exams. It may cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams only if ordered by a doctor as medically necessary (though you still pay coinsurance).
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): Many private Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits or allowances, often managed through third-party networks like TruHearing or Nations Hearing. Check your specific plan details.
  • Medicaid: Covers hearing care and hearing aids for children in all states. Coverage for adults varies significantly by state guidelines.
  • Private / Employer Health Insurance: Most standard private plans exclude adult hearing aids, though some offer partial coverage, fixed allowances, or discounted pricing through networks like TruHearing or Amplifon.
  • State Mandates: Several states legally require health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for children (20+ states) and a growing number of states (including Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington) mandate coverage for adults as well.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): Eligible enrolled veterans receive free hearing aids, batteries, and repairs through VA healthcare.

Alternative Ways to Pay

If your health insurance does not cover the cost, you can lower expenses using these options:

  • HSAs and FSAs: You can use pre-tax dollars from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for prescription hearing aids, batteries, repairs, and even over-the-counter (OTC) devices.
  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids: FDA-approved OTC hearing aids are available directly without a prescription or exam, usually costing between $100 and $2,500 per pair.
  • Discounts & Non-Profits: Organizations like AARP, retailer programs, or charities (such as the Miracle-Ear Foundation or Starkey Hearing Foundation) offer financial assistance or payment plans.

Heart of Illinois Hearing also offers 0% financing for 12 months and allows patients a 3-week free trial to make sure they like the hearing aid. We’d also be happy to help you determine if you have coverage under your policy, and find the best alternative if you do not. 


We have offices in Peoria and Springfield. Message us to schedule a free hearing test today!