Original Medicare doesn’t pay for hearing aids, in Massachusetts or anywhere else. But that’s not the whole picture. Medicare Advantage, MassHealth, and some private plans handle hearing aids differently, and below we break down what each one covers so Peabody and Swampscott patients know what to expect before they buy.
Hearing loss occurs gradually with age. As hearing deteriorates, this can lead to struggles in hearing conversations, the TV, traffic, alarms or sirens. Hearing aids can significantly help people with hearing loss by making sounds louder and clearer.
If you know that you need hearing aids, the first thing to do is find out if your insurance will cover them. There are different parts of Medicare that can help with this, and some may be a better fit for you than others.
Although it’s estimated that hearing loss affects two-thirds of people aged over 70, Medicare Part A and Part B doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids. However, there are some Medicare Advantage plans that may cover hearing aids.
Which parts of Medicare cover hearing aids?
To better understand the hearing aid coverage of Medicare, let’s take a look at the different parts and how each relates to hearing aids:
Medicare Part A This covers the costs of hospital care, doctor’s services, skilled nursing facility services and hospice care. Part A doesn’t cover hearing aids.
Medicare Part B can cover selected medical expenses not covered by other insurance, including lab tests, outpatient services and doctors’ fees. Part B does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fittings, but it can cover diagnostic hearing exams when ordered by a physician to detect or diagnose a hearing problem. In this case, a patient typically pays 20% of the cost for the Medicare-approved exam.
Medicare Part C Also known as Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part C is usually offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans can provide additional coverage and benefits that Medicare Part A and B do not cover. Additional coverage may include the cost of hearing aids and other hearing benefits.
Medicare Part D This is similar to Medicare Part C, with the fact that it is offered by private insurance companies. However, it doesn’t cover hearing aids, only prescription drugs.
Medicare doesn’t stop at hearing aids, either. Cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are classified by Medicare as prosthetic devices rather than hearing aids, so Part B can cover them for qualifying beneficiaries with severe hearing loss. If that might apply to you, our cochlear implant page walks through eligibility and what to expect.
Medicare & Insurance Coverage at a Glance
| Coverage Type | Covers Hearing Aids? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A | No | Hospital care only |
| Medicare Part B | No | Covers diagnostic hearing exams if physician-ordered; 20% coinsurance applies |
| Medicare Part C (Advantage) | Often | ~97% of plans offer some hearing benefit; typical allowance $500–$3,000/year |
| Medicare Part D | No | Prescription drugs only |
| Medigap (Supplement) | No | Only supplements costs Original Medicare already approves |
| MassHealth | Often | Varies by plan; may cover exams, fittings, and batteries |
| Private/Commercial Insurance | Varies | Check individual plan benefits |
Does MassHealth Cover Hearing Aids?
Unlike Original Medicare, MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) does cover hearing aids for eligible members in many cases, including exams, fittings, and hearing aid batteries. Coverage details and any prior authorization requirements vary by plan type, so it’s worth confirming your specific benefits before you buy. If you have both Medicare and MassHealth (dual eligibility), MassHealth may help cover costs that Original Medicare leaves out entirely.
How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost With Medicare?
Since Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, most patients pay out of pocket unless they have a Medicare Advantage plan, MassHealth, or private coverage with a hearing benefit.
It’s important to work with an audiologist when deciding what type, style, brand, level, and features you want in your hearing aid, since this affects both total cost and long-term benefit. Hearing technology has come a long way over the last few decades, meaning there are more options available than ever patients can choose based on their needs, budget, and lifestyle, whether that means a full-featured prescription device or a lower-cost OTC option for milder loss.
Which Medicare plans may be best for you if you know you need hearing aids?
The best Medicare plans for hearing aids are the ones that offer additional coverage and benefits.
If you’re in the process of enrolling in Medicare and you anticipate that you may need hearing aids in the future, you might want to look into the Medicare Advantage plan.
You can also work with Medicare Part C as it carries the benefits of Medicare Part A and B plus additional services like hearing aids and related hearing care services.
How much do hearing aids cost with Medicare?
The price of hearing aids is dependent on a number of factors. Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of hearing aids but it does offer coverage for some related services like testing and rehabilitation counseling.
It’s important to work with an audiologist when deciding what type, style, brand, level and features you want in your hearing aid because this can affect the total cost as well as long-term benefits.
Hearing technology has come a very long way over the last few decades which means that there are more options available than before. Patients with hearing loss can have more options to choose from, depending on their needs, budget, lifestyle, etc.
Hearing Aid Coverage in Massachusetts: Medicare & Private Insurance FAQs
Does Medicare cover hearing aids in Massachusetts?
No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t pay for hearing aids or the fitting appointments that go with them, and Massachusetts is no exception. There’s one useful carve-out: Part B covers a diagnostic hearing test when your physician orders it to investigate a medical concern. So Medicare can cover the test that tells you whether you have hearing loss. It just won’t cover the devices that treat it.
Does Medicare Advantage cover hearing aids?
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans add the hearing benefit that Original Medicare leaves out. Coverage ranges from a fixed dollar allowance toward devices to routine hearing exams, fittings, and follow-up visits. The allowance amount and the brands allowed differ from plan to plan, so check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or call the number on the back of your card.
Does MassHealth cover hearing aids?
For many eligible members, yes MassHealth often covers hearing aids, exams, fittings, and batteries, though specifics vary by plan type. If you’re dual-eligible for Medicare and MassHealth, MassHealth can help cover what Original Medicare doesn’t.
Will Medicare start covering hearing aids soon?
Possibly, but not yet. The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500) proposes coverage starting January 1, 2026, if passed as of mid-2026, it remains under consideration in Congress and is not law.
What if I don’t have coverage?
You still have options. Out-of-pocket hearing aids in the US are priced depending on technology, and we fit devices across that range. Ask us about payment plans and OTC alternatives for mild-to-moderate loss.
Hearing Aids Massachusetts
If you need to get a new pair of hearing aids but don’t know how or where to start, Atlantic Hearing Care can help.
We carry major hearing aid brands and specialize in finding the right solution for your hearing needs at an affordable price. If you’re weighing options like Costco versus a dedicated audiology clinic, or want to know more about custom hearing protection alongside your hearing aids, we can help there too.
If you’re in Massachusetts and need a reliable hearing clinic to help you choose the best hearing aid fit for your budget, call us today to schedule an appointment!
Patients at our Peabody, MA office and our Swampscott, MA office can bring their plan details to any visit, and we’ll confirm coverage before ordering.