Hearing aids are not covered by any insurance. Not Medicare, not private insurance because they are classified as a non-essential medical expense. Hearing aids can range anywhere from $1000 to $8000 so it's understandable that insurance companies don't want to cover them.

However, hearing aid recipients who do have Medicare can get a reimbursement for some hearing aid costs by filing an application with the federal government.

How do I get my insurance to cover hearing aids?

It is difficult to get hearing aids covered by medical insurance. Some do hearing / vision / dental plans which will cover one or two of those but not hearing aids. You can try to get coverage by moving up into a higher cost plan but the chances are slim that that will work. Then there is prescription plan coverage.

So, what's the answer? You could do one of two things:

1) Forego medical insurance and pay out of pocket 100% or higher; accepted in some cases(some states allow you to pay out of pocket for hearing aids if you are having difficulty affording them and have reached a financial state that you cannot afford the costs.)

2) File an application with Medicare. You will need proof that you are eligible for Medicare. Be prepared to file your application soon after receiving your hearing aid so Medicare has time to investigate how you can be approved for reimbursement.

Can my employer cover all or part of the cost of hearing aids?

Some do, but it depends on the severity of your hearing loss that would warrant the use of hearing aids. Your employer may be willing to pay for a hearing test and then help you choose better headphones for your computer, but unless you have a severe enough hearing loss that you are deemed disabled, you will not be able to get your employer to pay for any part of your hearing aid costs.

If you were disabled, you could try going through the Social Security Office. Depending on how severely impaired you are, they may be able to help with your healthcare costs including your hearing aid bill.

How much does insurance cover for hearing aids?

Not much! There are to many claims for hearing aids, and they need replacing about every 5 years for the best results. Some insurance companies will cover out to a certain amount $500 to $1000 etc, but not all of them.

How much can I expect to have to pay for hearing aids?

Hearing aids cost between $2,000 and $8,000 each. The price you pay depends on your hearing loss and how the hearing aids are programmed for each ear.

If you are paying out of pocket for your hearing aids rather than submitting a claim to your insurance company or Social Security office, make sure you get all of this information explained clearly before you spend any money.

What states require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas all require children's hearing aids. As for adults, there are none as far as we know

Why don't insurance companies cover hearing aids?

As mentioned earlier, There are to many claims for hearing aids, and they need replacing about every 5 years for the best results. This means that hearing aids are too expensive to be included on Medical Policies.

What to do if you can't afford hearing aids?

Crowdfunding your hearing aids is an option to consider because it will allow you to find support from people who are willing to help you fund your needs.

Also, you can ask your employer if they have a reward or benefit program that will help with the cost of your hearing aids if you are currently working.

Is hearing aid insurance worth it?

If you can afford it then Yes, the insurance can help cover the cost. If you have a preexisting condition like tinnitus or even hearing loss, then it might not be worth it.

As we mentioned before there are always a few problems with the insurance for example, you'll have to wait for at least a year before you get hearing aids. Another problem is that if you have coverage that only covers one aid then you will still need to pay for the other aid out of pocket.

How much do hearing aids cost?

The cost for hearing aids can vary based on the type of hearing aid that is recommended, the degree of hearing loss, and the customization that is requested. Some hearing aid costs can be as little as $500 while other costs can go well over $6,000. We typically recommend a detailed evaluation for patients to determine if they have any insurance coverage or if they have out of pocket expenses.

In general, higher prices typically mean higher quality and more features, like noise reduction, equalizer settings or Bluetooth connectivity.

Are hearing aids tax deductible?

Yes, hearing aids are considered to be a medical expense and are deductible under the IRS tax code.

Why are hearing aids so expensive?

Hearing aids are expensive because they have to be customized for each patient. They are type of medical device that is costly and requires extensive training for a specialist. Also, the cost of high-performance special effects hearing aids increases each year and often to keep up with technological advancements.

Are hearing aids medically necessary?

A hearing aid is medically necessary when there is a significant risk of permanent or serious harm to the patient’s ability to function in daily life. This will be assessed at the time of hearing aid prescription by a licensed audiologist.

Do they work?

It is not always possible to prevent hearing loss or better sound, but there are options for patients to cope with poor hearing or hearing loss. The best option is to try and minimize the damage from the beginning.

Deaf individuals and adults who are hard of hearing should speak clearly, use good lipreading skills, and get a written language assessment to help determine which level of communication is appropriate.

If you or a loved one suffers from tinnitus or is hard of hearing and has trouble coping with poor health due to it, then an audiologist can help make healthier lifestyle choices that can help lessen symptoms.

How long do hearing aids last?

In general, hearing aids are replaced about every five years for the best results. There are ways to extend the life of your hearing aids for a longer time though. Careful cleaning and maintenance is recommended to help keep your hearing aids in great working condition.

What are the least expensive hearing aids?

Behind the Ear (BTE) hearing aids are usually less expensive than smaller in the ear hearing aids. BTE's are behind-the-ear devices that connect to a pair of earmolds to create an airtight seal and hold them in place.

The main advantage with BTE's is that they can be custom fit to each individual, which means that it is possible to make them more discreet and comfortable than other types of hearing aids. They are also easier for patients who wear glasses, since they do not have to remove their eyeglasses in order to use their hearing aid.

The disadvantage is that they tend not to fit well under all types of headwear, including baseball caps and hairnets.

Is a hearing loss a disability?

Yes, a hearing loss is a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that the ADA defines disability as follows: "An impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities." In addition, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that persons with disabilities are protected against discrimination.

Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you learn more about hearing aids and their costs. Hearing aids are very helpful devices but can be very expensive to buy or for insurance to cover.

We highly recommend that you visit with a Hearing Aid Consultant in your area to learn more about why hearing aids are so important and whether or not one is right for you.

Insurance for hearing aids is still a big issue in the U.S. for all ages but we are working hard to change that so contact us today to find out if you have insurance or you need help with a crowdfunding campaign.