Hearing loss affects roughly one in three adults over 65, making it one of the most common conditions among Medicare beneficiaries. Yet hearing aids are among the most notable gaps in Original Medicare coverage; a statutory exclusion that dates back to 1965.
The picture is more complicated than a flat no. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing exams when a doctor orders them. Medicare Advantage plans, which cover more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries, typically include hearing aid benefits. And FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aids have been available without a prescription since October 2022 at prices that start around $200 per pair. This guide lays out exactly what is and is not covered in 2026. Medicare similarly does not cover routine vision care or glasses — the two gaps often go together for older adults.
Coverage Breakdown
What Original Medicare Does and Does Not Cover
Original Medicare has excluded hearing aids from coverage since the Social Security Act of 1965 created the program. The exclusion is written into statute, meaning no administrative rule change can add hearing aid coverage; it would require an act of Congress.
There is one important exception within Original Medicare: diagnostic hearing and balance exams. If your doctor or other health care provider orders a hearing exam to evaluate a medical condition (not to fit you for hearing aids), Medicare Part B covers the exam. You pay the $283 Part B deductible in 2026, then 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the exam.
- Covered: Diagnostic hearing exam ordered by a physician to evaluate a medical condition
- NOT covered: Hearing aids (any type, any price)
- NOT covered: Hearing aid fitting exams or evaluations
- NOT covered: Hearing aid batteries or accessories
- NOT covered: Cochlear implant sound processors (covered separately under Part B for implant recipients)
Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits in 2026
About 98% of Medicare Advantage plans offered some hearing benefit in 2026, according to KFF analysis. But the details vary widely, and some plans reduced supplemental benefits for 2026 due to CMS reimbursement changes; so check your current Evidence of Coverage even if your plan offered hearing coverage in 2025.
Many plans route members through hearing aid networks such as TruHearing, Amplifon, or UnitedHealthcare's Hearing by Amplifon. These networks offer discounted devices but restrict your choice of providers. Outside-network coverage is typically not available for hearing aids under Medicare Advantage.
- Typical annual allowance: $500 to $3,000 per year toward hearing aids
- Copay-based structure alternative: $99 to $999 per hearing aid through a plan network
- Frequency limits: many plans cover aids every one or two years (not every year)
- Routine hearing exams: typically one per year at no additional cost
- Major hearing aids (premium models): often cost more than the plan allowance, requiring you to pay the difference
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Lower-Cost Option Since 2022
The FDA finalized rules in August 2022 creating an OTC hearing aid category, effective October 17, 2022. Adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can buy OTC hearing aids without a prescription, a hearing exam, or a fitting by an audiologist.
Original Medicare does NOT cover OTC hearing aids, and most Medicare Advantage plans do not either; the benefit typically applies to prescription or plan-approved devices only. OTC aids are available at retail stores (Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, Walgreens) and online (Amazon), with prices ranging from roughly $200 to $3,000 per pair. They are an eligible expense under HSA and FSA accounts if you have one.
Alternatives and Cost-Saving Strategies
If Original Medicare is your only coverage and you need hearing aids, here are your main options ranked by typical cost:
Dual-Eligible Strategy: Medicaid Hearing Coverage
About 12 million Americans qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid; they are called dual-eligible. If you are dual-eligible, your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids even though Original Medicare does not. As of 2026, 32 states cover hearing aids for adult Medicaid enrollees, with significant variation in what they cover and how much.
California Medi-Cal covers hearing aids for adults up to $1,510 per person per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30), which can include the aids, earmolds, supplies, repairs, and up to six fitting visits. Texas Medicaid covers one hearing aid per five-year period for adults with at least 35 decibels of hearing loss in both ears. If you think you might qualify for Medicaid, use the eligibility screener to check; dual-eligible status can unlock hearing, dental, and vision benefits that Original Medicare does not provide. See KFF's state-by-state Medicaid hearing aid coverage data for your state's specific benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids in 2026?
No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fitting exams in 2026. This statutory exclusion has been in place since 1965. About 98% of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do include some hearing benefit, but coverage varies widely by plan and many plans reduced their benefits for 2026 due to CMS reimbursement changes.
Does Medicare Part B cover hearing exams?
Yes, but only diagnostic hearing exams ordered by a physician to evaluate a medical condition. Part B does NOT cover exams done specifically to fit you for hearing aids. When covered, you pay the $283 Part B deductible in 2026 plus 20% coinsurance after the deductible is met.
How much does Medicare Advantage pay toward hearing aids?
It varies by plan. Many plans offer an annual allowance of $500 to $3,000 toward hearing aids. Plans that use hearing networks like TruHearing may charge a copay of $99 to $999 per hearing aid instead. Most plans also have frequency limits; often covering aids every one or two years, not annually. Always verify your specific plan's Evidence of Coverage.
Can I get free hearing aids through Medicare?
Possibly, through two pathways. First, if you are dual-eligible (Medicare plus Medicaid), your state Medicaid program may cover hearing aids; 32 states cover adults as of 2026, and California Medi-Cal provides up to $1,510 per year. Second, veterans with service-connected hearing loss can get hearing aids at no cost through the VA. Otherwise, Original Medicare does not provide free hearing aids.
What are OTC hearing aids and does Medicare cover them?
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids became legal to sell without a prescription in October 2022 after the FDA finalized a new category for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are available at Walmart, Best Buy, Costco, and online for roughly $200 to $3,000 per pair. Original Medicare does not cover OTC hearing aids, and most Medicare Advantage plans do not either, since their hearing benefits typically apply to plan-approved or prescription-grade devices only.
Does Medicaid cover hearing aids for adults?
It depends on your state. As of 2026, 32 states cover hearing aids for adult Medicaid enrollees. Coverage details vary: California Medi-Cal covers up to $1,510 per year; Texas Medicaid covers one hearing aid per five-year period for adults with 35 dB or more of bilateral hearing loss. States without adult hearing coverage generally still cover hearing aids for children under 21 through EPSDT.
Will Medicare ever cover hearing aids?
Legislative proposals have been introduced repeatedly; including the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500 in the 119th Congress, 2025-2026); but none have been enacted. As of 2026, the exclusion remains in place. If legislation passes, implementation would typically take at least one to two years after enactment.
Can I switch to Medicare Advantage to get hearing coverage?
Yes. If you currently have Original Medicare, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify. About 98% of MA plans offer some hearing benefit in 2026. Use medicare.gov/plan-compare to find plans in your area that include hearing coverage and compare their specific allowances, networks, and premiums.
