Medicare, Medigap & Hearing Aid Coverage in California

Original Medicare usually does not pay for routine hearing aids. That is why many people look at
Medicare Advantage plans,
Medigap options with extra benefits, Medi-Cal, or Dual SNP plans when hearing aid coverage is important.

The key point is that hearing aid benefits vary widely. One plan may include a hearing aid allowance, routine hearing exam, or vendor discount program, while another plan may offer little or no help. You should compare the hearing benefit along with doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, dental, vision, and total out-of-pocket costs.

Questions This Page Helps Answer

• Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
• Do Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits?
• Can a Medigap plan include hearing aid coverage?
• Does Medi-Cal help pay for hearing aids?
• Do I have to use a specific hearing aid provider or vendor?
• Should I change plans just because I need hearing aids?

Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap & Medi-Cal

Original Medicare may cover certain diagnostic hearing and balance exams when medically necessary, but it generally does not cover routine hearing aids. Many people with Original Medicare buy a
Medigap / Medicare Supplement plan
to help with Medicare deductibles, coinsurance, and other gaps.

Medicare Advantage plans may include extra benefits such as hearing aids, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, transportation, over-the-counter allowances, or fitness benefits. However, Medicare Advantage plans usually have provider networks, so you should also check whether your doctors and hospitals participate before enrolling.

Some Medigap plans with extra benefits may also include hearing-related benefits. For example, certain Blue Shield and other companies Medicare Supplement “Extra” plans have included benefits such as routine hearing exams and hearing aid options. That means hearing aid coverage is not always limited to Medicare Advantage plans. You can review the Blue Shield Medicare Supplement enrollment guide here:
Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Enrollment Guide PDF.

Medi-Cal may also be important for some people, especially those who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. In some situations, Medi-Cal, a Dual SNP plan, or other low-income assistance may affect hearing, dental, vision, prescription, and out-of-pocket costs.  Visit DHCS site on Hearing Aid coverage for Medi Cal 

What To Check Before Choosing a Plan for Hearing Aids

• Allowance amount: How much does the plan contribute toward hearing aids?
• Copays: What do you pay for the exam, fitting, and devices?
• Network: Must you use a specific hearing aid vendor or provider?
• Replacement period: Is the benefit annual, every two years, or less often?
• Device level: Does the benefit apply to basic devices only, or also advanced hearing aids?
• Doctors and hospitals: Are your regular doctors, specialists, and hospitals included?
• Prescriptions: Are your medications covered at a reasonable cost?

Related Medicare Pages

You may also want to review:
Medicare enrollment help,
Medicare Advantage plans,
Medigap / Medicare Supplement plans,
SCAN Medicare Advantage plans,
Blue Shield Medicare Advantage,
Anthem MediBlue Medicare Advantage,
Dual SNP Medi-Cal & Medicare plans,
Medicare enrollment periods, and
Medicare dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

Ask Steve To Compare Your Options

Send me your ZIP code, doctors, prescriptions, preferred pharmacy, and whether hearing aids are a major concern. I can help compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and related options available to you.