People enrolling in Medicare may want to consider factoring in coverage for hearing aids when choosing a plan.
The number increases to one in two for people 75 years and older.
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When someone loses their hearing, they may have difficulties communicating effectively.
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They may have to speak more loudly or have people repeat themselves.
This can impact their relationships with others.
Their safety could also be put at risk.
Their long-term health is also impacted by hearing loss.
Studies have found a link between hearing loss and dementia, including Alzheimers disease.
Managing and treating hearing problems early on may help to decrease the risk for dementia in later years.
Signs You May Need a Hearing Aid
Hearing loss can sneak up on you.
You may want toconsider a hearing testif you experience any of the following:
What Is Medicare?
Medicare is healthcare funded by the federal government and tax dollars.
Does Original Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Original Medicare covers a wide range of services.
Unfortunately, some often-needed services get left behindincluding routine hearing tests and hearing aids.
This does not mean that no hearing services are covered at all.
Interestingly, if you meet certain criteria,cochlear implantsare covered by Original Medicare.
One of the criteria for getting cochlear transplants is that hearing aids do not provide adequate relief.
Hearing aids work by amplifying sounds in the inner ear, making it easier to detect and interpret them.
When hearing aids are not effective, cochlear implants may be considered.
Cochlear implants bypass the cochlea and stimulate the auditory nerve directly.
This can be effective when the cochlea is damaged.
Hearing benefits are covered by Medicare Part B.
You will need to pay a20% coinsurancefor each service.
Screening vs.
Diagnostic tests, on the other hand, are performed when someone already has symptoms.
They are not simply at risk for a condition, they already have one.
Original Medicare does not cover routine screening tests for hearing but does cover diagnostic tests for hearing-related conditions.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Hearing Aids?
Medicare Advantage can help with hearing problems.
Hearing coverage is one of the most popular supplemental benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans.
It is important to look closely at each plans benefits.
They are not the same.
You will also want to peek if earmolds, fitting exams, and hearing aid batteries are paid for.
Congress proposed the Build Back Better Act in September 2021.
What Is the Cost of Hearing Aids?
According to the Hearing Industries Association, the average hearing aid costs $1,000 to $4,000 per ear.
Depending on where you get your hearing aids, costs may be bundled together.
For example, a hearing aid could getclogged with waxor stop working for other reasons.
You may need anaudiologistto evaluate it, or you may need to send your hearing aid for repairs.
At other times, your hearing services will be itemized, and you will pay for each service separately.
It is important to understand what parts of hearing care your insurance covers to avoid getting an unexpected bill.
That may be when you turn 65 or if you qualifybased on a disability.
you might also pick a Medicare Advantage during theOpen Enrollment Periodfrom October 15 to December 7 each year.
There are also special enrollment periods you could qualify for.
Saving on hearing aids does not mean that you definitely will save on the rest of your health care.
It is important to weigh the pros and cons.
That is the case even when you consider the cost of monthly premiums.
Additional Resources
Hearing aids can be expensive.
The Hearing Industries Association provides an extensive list of financial assistance programs for children and adults alike.
Simply put, it can affect your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even with insurance, the cost of hearing aids will vary.
Hearing aid coverage differs from plan to plan.
Be sure to pick a plan that covers what you need.
Medicare Part B does not cover screening hearing tests or hearing aids.
It also covers cochlear transplants for people who did not get good results from a hearing aid.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Quick statistics about hearing.
2020;396(10248):413-446. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30367-6
Medicare.gov.Parts of Medicare.
Medicare.gov.Hearing and balance exams.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Cochlear implantation.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.Cochlear implants.
National Council on Aging.Does Medicare and insurance cover hearing aids in 2024?
Congress.gov.H.R.244 - Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2023.
Hearing Industries Association.The price of hearing aids.
Kaiser Family Foundation.How much do Medicare beneficiaries spend out of pocket on health care?
Q1 Medicare.2021 Medicare Advantage maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits are changing and can now reach $7,550.
Food and Drug Administration.OTC hearing aids: what you should know.
