OTC Hearing Aids Covered by Medicare: What You Need to Know

Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing exams, despite the importance of these services for seniors' health and wellbeing. However, there are some exceptions and alternatives worth exploring.

While Original Medicare does not provide coverage for hearing aids, it will cover a diagnostic hearing exam if deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. This is an important distinction, as many seniors may be unaware that they can receive a free diagnostic exam under their Medicare coverage.

The factors that determine coverage of hearing aids vary widely depending on the insurance plan in question. Some states require commercial insurance plans to cover hearing aids for adults and children, while others do not provide any coverage at all. Additionally, some insurance plans may offer partial coverage for hearing aids, with patients responsible for paying a portion of the cost out-of-pocket.

The good news is that prices for hearing aids are expected to drop significantly in the coming years, thanks to new FDA regulations that will make it easier and more affordable for seniors to access these important devices. Under the new rules, certain air-conduction hearing aids intended for adults with mild or moderate hearing impairment will be classified as over-the-counter (OTC) products, available without a medical exam, prescription, or fitting by an audiologist.

These OTC hearing aids are expected to be available in October 2022 and could potentially reduce the cost of a pair of hearing aids to less than $1,000. This is a significant development for seniors who have been priced out of these important devices due to high costs.

In summary, while Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams, there are some exceptions and alternatives worth exploring. With new FDA regulations on the horizon, prices for hearing aids are expected to drop significantly, making it more accessible and affordable for seniors to access these important devices.

Otc hearing aids covered by medicare