What Original Medicare covers
Medicare.gov says Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids; you pay all costs. What Part B does cover:
- Diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor or other provider orders them to find out whether you need medical treatment.
- One audiologist visit every 12 months without an order, but only for non-acute conditions such as hearing loss that develops over many years, or for diagnostic services related to surgically implanted hearing devices.
For a covered exam, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). In a hospital outpatient setting you may also owe a copayment.
NC Medicaid doesn't cover adult hearing aids
This surprises many families. NC Medicaid covers hearing aids, batteries, repairs and fittings only for beneficiaries under 21. Its hearing aid policy (amended April 1, 2023) states that Medicaid "shall not cover" hearing aid services for beneficiaries 21 years of age and older. So having both Medicare and full NC Medicaid doesn't by itself get an adult a hearing aid.
Other help in North Carolina
NCDHHS's Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) runs an Equipment Distribution Service for North Carolinians with hearing loss who meet its rules:
- Check eligibility. You must live in North Carolina, have a certificate of disability, and have income up to 250% of the federal poverty level.
- Ask about equipment. The program provides amplified and captioned telephones and personal amplifiers, and some people qualify for a hearing aid with a telecoil ("T-coil") switch for using the phone.
- Contact a regional center. DSDHH's seven regional centers help you choose devices; start from the DSDHH website.
DSDHH has also run a temporary loan service that passes on used, cleaned and audiologist-checked behind-the-ear hearing aids to people who need one for the phone and can pay a hearing professional to fit it. Ask a regional center whether it's available.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness. Extra benefits vary by plan and county, may have limits and costs, and not every plan offers them. Check a plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage, and ask whether a hearing benefit uses a specific network of hearing providers. See Medicare Advantage in North Carolina.
Get help
A licensed insurance agent who works with Benefits Life can explain how hearing care fits with Medicare and compare plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or see plans for your ZIP code.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover eye exams and glasses?
Glaucoma tests, cataracts and glasses.
Does Medicare cover dental in North Carolina?
When it pays, and NC Medicaid dental.
Can I keep my doctor with Medicare?
Networks, assignment and the State Health Plan.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Hearing aids
- Medicare.gov — Hearing and balance exams
- NC Medicaid — Clinical Coverage Policy 7, Hearing Aid Services (amended April 1, 2023)
- NCDHHS Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing — Equipment Distribution Service
- NCDHHS DSDHH — Temporary Loan Service Hearing Aid Redistribution
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — OTC hearing aids: what you should know
More questions in this guide
- Can I keep my doctor when I go on Medicare in North Carolina?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in North Carolina?
- Does Medicare cover dental in North Carolina?
- Does Medicare cover eye exams and glasses in North Carolina?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in North Carolina?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in North Carolina?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in North Carolina?
- How do I get rides to the doctor with Medicare in North Carolina?
Part of the guide: Medicare basics for North Carolinians · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medigap pay for hearing aids?
No. Medigap policies help pay costs for services Original Medicare covers, and Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids. A Medigap policy can help with your share of a covered diagnostic hearing exam.
Does NC Medicaid pay for hearing aids for adults?
No. NC Medicaid's Clinical Coverage Policy 7, Hearing Aid Services, says Medicaid doesn't cover hearing aid services for beneficiaries 21 and older. Children and young adults under 21 can get hearing aids when medically necessary.
Can I buy hearing aids without a prescription?
Yes. Since October 2022 the FDA has allowed over-the-counter hearing aids for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Medicare doesn't pay for them.
Medicare in your North Carolina county
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