Medicare can be a great resource for seniors when it comes to covering the costs of hearing aids and exams. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what is covered by Medicare and what is not. I can also provide some tips on how to get the most out of your Medicare coverage for hearing-related services.
Does Medicare Part B Cover Diagnostic Hearing Exams?
Yes, Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing exams. This exam is usually performed by an audiologist and are used to determine if you have a hearing loss. If you do have a hearing loss, the audiologist will also use the exam to determine the severity of your condition.
What Does Medicare Part B Not Cover?
Medicare Part B does not cover the cost of hearing aids. However, it can cover the cost of a hearing exam every year. If you need a hearing aid, you will have to pay for it out of your pocket.
Do Medicare Advantage Programs Cover Hearing Aids or Exams?
Yes. Medicare Advantage programs are required to cover all of the services that are covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. This includes hearing exams and hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer additional coverage for things like routine hearing screenings and maintenance or repairs for your hearing aid. Some Medicare Advantage Companies, for example AARP have bought a hearing aid manufacturer. They give a large annual budget towards getting a new hearing aid or a replacement for beneficiaries on your plan.
How Much does Average Hearing Aid Cost People on Medicare?
The cost of a hearing aid can vary depending on the type of hearing aid you need and the severity of your hearing loss. However, the average cost of a hearing aid is around $2000.
If you have Medicare and need a hearing aid or exam, be sure to take advantage of all that your coverage has to offer.
Does Medicare Get You a Discount on Hearing Aids?
While Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids, there are some ways that you can get a discount on your purchase. Many private insurance companies offer discounts for seniors who have Medicare. You can also check with your local Department of Aging to see if they offer any programs or discounts for seniors with hearing loss.
Are There Stand Alone Hearing Programs Available?
Yes, to clarify, there are a few stand-alone hearing programs available. However, these programs are not associated with Medicare and may have different eligibility requirements. One example of a stand-alone hearing program is the Hearing Aid Assistance Tax Credit (HATC). This program offers a tax credit for seniors who purchase a hearing aid. To be eligible for the HATC, you must be 65 years of age or older and have a hearing loss that is considered to be a disability.
Also, Private companies offer Hearing, Dental, and Vision plans. Some of these plans are considered discount plans. This is where you get a standard 50% off any service. They usually come in a reasonable premium and are a good resource for someone looking for coverage, but are on a budget
Mutual of Omaha has a hearing product that would be considered to be more on the insurance side. It has deductibles and waiting periods, but probably gives a wider range of options as well as a larger financial help.
Do Medicare Supplement Plans help with Hearing Aid costs with Medicare?
Medicare Supplement Plans help with the costs of hearing aids and exams. These plans are designed to cover the gaps in your Medicare coverage. Supplement plans can help you pay for things like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Keep in mind Supplemental insurance is only able to pay if Medicare pays. So if Medicare says there is no coverage for a product or service then the supplemental company would not be on the hook financially.
Act now. The cost of hearing aids has gone up year after year. Some new products are coming out this year that are very reasonably priced and have potential for how much they give in benefits. Everyone has a different need when it comes to hearing. If you have Medicaid and Medicare you could have a hearing aid and exam covered at 100%. We also have some $0.00 premium plans offering from $750-$1500 towards your hearing aid costs depending on your zip code. It is important that you give us a call to help you look.
