A question heard in every Audiology practice: “Does Medicare cover hearing aids?” Unfortunately, there is no longer a simple answer to this age old question.
So let’s break it down a little:
Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover for hearing aids at all. If you have a secondary insurance and it is a Medicare Supplement plan, typically there is not a benefit as they follow Medicare guidelines. However, if the secondary insurance is offered through a previous employer you may have a benefit. Occasionally a secondary plan will offer a discount program offering “discounted prices” on hearing aids. Very often these discounted prices are no lower than the pricing we are able to offer.
Medicare Advantage Plans may have coverage through the Medicare Part C program. These plans are offered through private insurance companies and have been approved by Medicare and typically offer benefits beyond original Medicare plans. The benefit may be a specific amount paid by the insurance company or simply a discount plan. The amount paid is typically small and will not cover the cost of a hearing aid. Additionally, with these plans, you may be required to see a participating provider to use the benefit at all. You will want to check with your specific health plan to determine if your provider is a preferred provider.
As always, our office will verify your benefit for you and help you navigate through the system to maximize your benefit. It is best to explore your options before activating a benefit that may lock you into a program that may not be the best value option.
We are a Medicare provider who can answer your questions. Call us at 1-800-277-1182 or contact us at gardneraudiology.com for assistance.
