Although many private health insurers don’t cover the costs of hearing aids, some policies support these expenses. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance companies to provide the cost of audiological tests, the law won’t require insurers to pay for hearing aid tools and devices.

Discuss with your insurance coverage provider to learn whether your plan offers coverage for hearing devices. Hearing aids coverage can save you hundreds and thousands of dollars if you are among the millions of Americans with hearing difficulties. Furthermore, hearing aids may have variable prices, e.g., $1,599 for the primary pair and $6,499 for the premium set.

As consumer demand for such devices rises, hearing aids insurance coverage has gradually become more common, and some states have proposed laws to help individuals cover their payments. In addition, some insurance plans give discounts on hearing aids acquired through specified providers.

Coverage for hearing aids varies by region

About 22 US states mandate insurers to pay all or part of the hearing aid cost for children under 18 years of age, while only five–New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Arkansas–must provide equivalent coverage in health insurance for adults. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) details insurance coverage policies for every state.

Medicare

Generally, Original Medicare (both Part A & Part B) doesn’t cover the expenses of hearing aids, device fittings, and routine hearings tests. However, some MA plans (Medicare Part C) provide hearings aids and hearing exams facilities.

Medicaid

The coverage of Medicaid depends on the state. Some state-owned Medicaid programs provide hearing-related benefits, such as hearing aid coverage; others regions do not. The Hearing Loss Organization of America’s website contains information about Medicaid insurance coverage for hearing aids.

Benefits for Veterans

VA’s healthcare benefits provide coverage for hearing aids when a veteran’s hearing impairment is related to military services or connected to the clinical problem being treated within a VA facility. Veterans can also receive hearing aids from the VA if their hearing impairment is severe enough to interfere with their regular work.

Flexible Financial Savings Accounts (FSA) and Health Cost Savings Accounts (HSA)

Many FSAs and HSAs allow insurance policyholders to pay for the costs of hearings devices and batteries. Unlike FSAs, money in your HSAs accumulates year after year, thus enabling you to save on the hearing aids costs.

Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA)

HRA’s are financed by the workplace, so it’s your employer’s prerogative to determine whether hearing services and batteries are refundable costs. Check with your insurance company administrator or human resources department to see if hearing aids are considered an eligible expense.

Act Immediately

If hearing aids and devices are a common need, consider finding the health insurance plan that offers coverage for them.