Did you know that 18.4 percent of Americans had Medicare coverage in 2020? If you’ll be joining that population, you should consider what coverage you’ll have.
For example, you should know, does Medicare pay for hearing aids? Whether you need hearing aids now or think you will in the future, it’s important to understand your coverage. Read on to learn more.
Medicare Overall
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids. Medicare comes in multiple parts, and each part covers something different, such as hospital care, outpatient care, and prescriptions.
Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, so that part may cover hearing tests. If your doctor orders a test, you may be able to check your hearing, and Medicare will cover the cost.
When Medicare first passed, not as many seniors needed hearing aids. However, people have started living longer, so age-related hearing loss has become more common.
Hearing aids were also relatively affordable when the Medicare Act of 1965 passed. Even though hearing aids have gone up in price, the law needs to change for the coverage to pay for your hearing aids.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Now, you may be able to get a different answer to “does Medicare pay for hearing aids?” If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicare Part C, that coverage comes from the private sector.
Depending on the health insurance plan you choose, the plan may cover your hearing aids. Not all plans offer extra benefits, but some do cover hearing, vision, and dental care.
If you think you will need hearing aids now or later, you should look for Medicare Part C coverage. Then, you can choose an insurer that will help cover the cost.
You can also compare different plan types to get as many benefits as you need. Some plans may cover other services that you don’t need now but could require in the future.
How to Pay for Hearing Aids
If you don’t have hearing aid benefits, you have a few options to pay for hearing aids. The best option for most people is to save up extra money for a few months or years.
You may also be able to finance the hearing aids if you need the pair now but don’t have enough money in savings or other accounts. Over time, you’ll make regular payments like any other type of loan.
If you had a high-deductible health plan before switching to Medicare, look at your health savings account (HSA) balance. You may be able to use some of that money to cover the cost of your hearing aids.
Another option is to ask for financial help from family and friends. They may be willing to lend you money so that you can maintain your hearing.
Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids? Covering the Cost
Many seniors will eventually wonder, does Medicare pay for hearing aids? For many people on Medicare, the answer is that the plan doesn’t cover hearing aids.
However, you may qualify for some coverage if you have a Medicare Advantage plan. And if you don’t, take a look at your savings and other accounts to see if you have the money.
Are you about to switch to Medicare? Learn more about it and what it does and doesn’t include.