Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

If you are ready to buy a pair of hearing aids, you are most likely investigating your options for how to pay for your new hearing aids. If you hope to obtain affordable hearing aids for yourself or a loved one, you might wonder, “Does insurance cover hearing aids?” The cost of prescription hearing aids can be quite high; unfortunately, insurance does not usually cover hearing aids. However, it is possible to obtain high-quality hearing aids or get a discount on hearing aids without hearing aid insurance or a hearing aid assistance program. The FDA recently approved over-the-counter hearing aids. Our Sontro® Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids are under $1000 for high-quality hearing aids. Here you can learn more about our affordable hearing aids that you can obtain without health insurance or even a doctor’s appointment.

Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

You might have noticed that hearing aids can be pretty expensive. The average cost of hearing aids ranges from $2,000 to $7,000. And unfortunately, hearing aids are not generally covered by medical insurance for adults. Medicare does not cover hearing aids either. This is sad news for many of the 28.8 million U.S. adults who could benefit from using hearing aids. The cost of hearing aids is a significant barrier that prevents many of those adults with hearing loss from obtaining the hearing aids they need to live and hear their life to the fullest. 

While most health insurers do not provide coverage for hearing aids, insurers occasionally offer optional hearing, vision, and dental plans that may include coverage for hearing tests and fitting. It is important to check with your plan because every health plan is different. 

The answer to whether or not you can get some help paying for hearing aids with your health insurance might depend on where you live. The hearing aid insurance laws vary by state. The exception is if you live in one of the five states that mandate that insurance companies either fully or partially cover the costs of hearing aids. Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are those states. And many more states mandate that health insurance providers cover the cost of hearing aids for children. 

How to Get a Discount on Hearing Aids

Several factors impact the price of hearing aids. After all, it is not just the cost of hearing aids alone that can be so expensive (though often that bill stretches into the thousands of dollars.) To obtain a pair of prescription hearing aids the traditional way, you must also visit a doctor’s office or a hearing professional, another added expense. 

What About a Hearing Aid Assistance Program?

Even though the cost of hearing aids is typically not covered by health insurance, other hearing aid assistance programs are available to help you obtain hearing aids.

Workers’ Compensation for Hearing Loss

If your hearing was damaged on the job, you might be entitled to workers’ compensation to help you cover the cost of your hearing aids and other hearing loss treatments. 

Consider Using HSA or FSA Funds

Even though health insurance typically does not cover the cost of hearing aids, your HSA or FSA funds can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, like hearing aids or hearing aid batteries. 

Social Security Benefits for Hearing Loss

If your hearing loss affects your ability to work, you might be eligible for assistance through the Social Security trust fund. 

Discount Programs for Hearing Aids for Federal and State Employees

If you are a federal employee, the Federal Employee Health Plan covers medical problems with your ears, and some even cover hearing aids. There are also some discount programs available for state employees. 

Charitable and Other Assistance Programs 

Many charitable groups may be able to help you obtain hearing aids at a discount if you meet the financial criteria. The Hearing Loss Association of America has a financial assistance page that may be helpful. 

What to Do When Health Insurance Doesn’t Cover the Cost of Hearing Aids

Now that you know that insurance does not cover the cost of hearing aids, you are probably wondering how to find affordable hearing aids or how to get a discount on hearing aids. You may have heard that the FDA recently approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids. This makes obtaining high-quality, effective hearing aids much more affordable and convenient for millions of Americans. Unlike expensive prescription hearing aids, OTC hearing aids are available online for a fraction of the price. 

How to Obtain High-Quality Hearing Aids Without Hearing Aid Insurance

If you do not have hearing aid insurance, OTC hearing aids might be the answer. Our Sontro OTC Hearing Aids are an artificially intelligent, fully customizable hearing aid available for a fraction of the price of traditional prescription hearing aids. Plus, no visit to a doctor is necessary! All you need to do is take our free online hearing test, and then our otoTune® app allows you to customize your new hearing aids in just three minutes from your mobile phone. They are affordable, convenient, and easy to use. 

So, Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

Now, you know the answer to the question, “Does insurance cover hearing aids?” At Soundwave Hearing, we accept most major credit cards and offer financing options on our checkout page. Plus, our hearing aids are risk-free and come with a 45-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty from the date of purchase. That is because we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality hearing technology without the barrier of cost, time, or stigma. All it takes is a small amount of money and a phone to obtain hearing aids that will improve the quality of your life. Find out if you are a candidate for over-the-counter hearing aids today by taking our free online hearing test! It’s time to rejoin the conversation (and your life).