Hearing loss affects millions of Americans, particularly those over 65, and the cost of hearing aids can be a significant financial burden. Many people wonder whether Social Security benefits or related government programs like Medicare might help cover these expenses.
Key Takeaway: Social Security itself does not pay for hearing aids. Original Medicare (Parts A and B), which most Social Security beneficiaries receive, also does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage, and there are other programs that may help with hearing aid costs.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, insurance, or financial advice. Program details, pricing, and benefits are subject to change.
We recommend contacting Medicare, your insurance provider, or a benefits counselor directly for the most current information about hearing aid coverage. California Hearing Center does not administer these government benefits.
This information is current as of April 2025 but may change at any time.
Understanding Social Security and Medicare Coverage
To understand hearing aid coverage, it’s important to differentiate between Social Security and Medicare, as they are separate programs with different purposes:
- Provides income (cash benefits) to qualified retirees, disabled individuals, and their families
- Does not directly provide healthcare coverage
- Does not pay for specific medical devices like hearing aids
- Recipients often automatically qualify for Medicare at age 65
- Federal health insurance program primarily for those 65+ and certain younger people with disabilities
- Has different parts (A, B, C, D) covering different aspects of healthcare
- The type of Medicare you have determines what hearing services might be covered
- Original Medicare explicitly excludes hearing aid coverage by law
Medicare and Hearing Aid Coverage: The Details
When people ask if “Social Security covers hearing aids,” they’re typically asking about Medicare coverage, since Social Security beneficiaries are often Medicare recipients. Here’s how the different parts of Medicare handle hearing aid coverage:
| Medicare Type | Hearing Aid Coverage | What Is Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Parts A & B) |
No coverage for hearing aids |
|
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
Often provides some coverage |
|
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) |
No coverage for hearing aids |
|
| Medicare Part D | No coverage for hearing aids |
|
Why Doesn’t Original Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
The exclusion of hearing aids from Original Medicare coverage dates back to the Social Security Amendments of 1965, which created Medicare. At that time, hearing aids were explicitly excluded by the statutory language, along with routine vision and dental care. Despite multiple legislative attempts to change this, Congress would need to pass new legislation to add hearing aid coverage to Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage Hearing Aid Benefits
For many Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer the best opportunity for hearing aid coverage through Medicare. Here’s what you should know:
- Nearly all Medicare Advantage plans offer some type of hearing benefit
- Coverage limitations: Most plans set dollar limits or restrict how often you can get hearing aids
- Network restrictions: You may be required to use in-network providers
- Technology tiers: Plans often structure benefits with different copays based on technology level (basic, standard, advanced, premium)
- Prior authorization: Many plans require prior approval for hearing services
If you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan for hearing aid coverage, be sure to carefully compare the hearing benefits among different plans available in your area.
Other Programs That May Help Pay for Hearing Aids
If you need hearing aids and Medicare won’t cover them, several alternative programs and funding sources might help:
Medicaid
While Medicaid is distinct from Medicare and Social Security, it provides healthcare for low-income individuals. Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies significantly by state:
- About 32 states offer some hearing aid coverage for adults through Medicaid
- Coverage policies vary widely regarding eligibility, device types, and replacement frequency
- All states cover hearing services for children under Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit
Veterans Benefits
Veterans enrolled in VA Health Benefits may qualify for free or low-cost hearing aids if they meet specific criteria:
- Hearing loss related to military service
- Hearing loss that interferes with activities of daily living
- Certain other qualifying conditions
Vocational Rehabilitation
If hearing loss affects your ability to work, state vocational rehabilitation agencies may help fund hearing aids as part of getting you back to work.
Private Insurance
Some employer-sponsored health plans and private insurance policies include hearing aid benefits. Check your policy details or contact your insurer.
Tax-Advantaged Healthcare Accounts
Hearing aids are qualifying expenses for:
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Tax-free funds for those with high-deductible health plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax dollars through employer plans
- Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): Employer-funded accounts for medical expenses
Nonprofit Organizations and Charitable Foundations
Several organizations provide financial assistance for hearing aids to qualified individuals:
- Hear Now by Starkey Hearing Foundation
- Help America Hear Program
- Lions Club Affordable Hearing Aid Project
- State-specific hearing foundations
Tips for Finding Affordable Hearing Aids
Even without coverage from Social Security or Medicare, there are ways to make hearing aids more affordable:
Since 2022, FDA-approved OTC hearing aids have been available for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. These devices typically cost $200-$1,000 per pair—significantly less than prescription models.
Membership organizations like AARP offer hearing aid discount programs that can save members hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Many manufacturers offer financing options, discounts for purchasing two devices, or assistance programs for those with financial need.
Some companies offer monthly payment plans or subscription services for hearing aids instead of requiring a large upfront purchase.
Prices can vary significantly between audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and retailers like Costco, which offers hearing aids at lower prices than many private practices.
The Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss
While hearing aids can be expensive, untreated hearing loss can have significant health and quality-of-life consequences:
- Increased risk of dementia: Research shows links between hearing loss and cognitive decline
- Higher fall risk: Even mild hearing loss is associated with increased risk of falls
- Depression and social isolation: Difficulty communicating can lead to withdrawal from social activities
- Reduced quality of life: Untreated hearing loss can affect relationships, enjoyment, and independence
These health impacts highlight why finding a way to afford hearing aids is important, even if Social Security and Original Medicare don’t provide coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medicare’s exclusion of hearing aids dates back to the program’s creation in 1965. At that time, hearing aids were specifically excluded in the statutory language along with routine dental and vision care. Unlike other medical devices that Medicare covers (like pacemakers or wheelchairs), hearing aids are classified as “routine” rather than medically necessary in the Medicare statute. Changing this would require new legislation from Congress.
Yes, you can use your Social Security income however you choose, including financing hearing aids. Many providers offer payment plans ranging from a few months to several years. Some manufacturers and retailers offer their own financing options, while others work with healthcare credit companies. Be sure to understand the terms, especially interest rates and total cost over time, before committing to a payment plan.
Over the years, several bills have been introduced in Congress to add hearing aid coverage to Medicare, but none have been enacted into law. The Build Back Better Act of 2021 included provisions for hearing aid coverage under Medicare but did not pass. Advocacy organizations continue to push for this change, pointing to the growing body of research linking hearing health to overall health outcomes. As of 2025, there’s no immediate legislation expected to pass that would add hearing aid coverage to Original Medicare.
It depends on your state. If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (known as being “dual eligible”), Medicaid may cover hearing aids if your state’s Medicaid program includes this benefit. Coverage and eligibility requirements vary significantly by state. Some states limit coverage to certain types of hearing aids, require specific medical necessity criteria, or restrict how often devices can be replaced. Contact your state’s Medicaid office to learn about hearing aid coverage options for dual-eligible beneficiaries.
Yes, Medicare Part B does cover cochlear implants for beneficiaries who meet specific criteria for severe to profound hearing loss that cannot be adequately treated with hearing aids. The reason for this difference is that cochlear implants are classified as prosthetic devices that replace the function of the inner ear, rather than as hearing aids. Medicare also covers bone-anchored hearing devices (BAHAs) for similar reasons. These devices require surgical implantation and are considered prosthetic replacements for part of the ear’s function rather than external amplification devices.
Conclusion: Navigating Hearing Health Without Medicare Coverage
While Social Security and Original Medicare don’t provide coverage for hearing aids, there are multiple paths to obtaining these essential devices:
- Consider Medicare Advantage plans that include hearing benefits
- Explore alternative funding sources like Medicaid, VA benefits, or nonprofit assistance
- Investigate more affordable options like OTC hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss
- Use tax-advantaged healthcare accounts if available to you
- Look into payment plans, subscription models, or discount programs
The most important thing is not to let the lack of coverage from Social Security or Medicare prevent you from addressing hearing loss. The health and quality-of-life benefits of treating hearing loss far outweigh the challenges of finding affordable options.
Turning Life up Through Better Hearing
For over 30 years, California Hearing Center has been helping people improve their lives through better hearing. Our experienced audiologists can help you navigate your options for affordable hearing care, even without coverage from Social Security or Medicare.
Or call us at (650) 342-9449
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