I’m Kayla. I wear hearing aids. I also helped my mom, my father-in-law, and two neighbors get theirs. Funny thing—each one had a different insurance story. Some paid little. Some paid a lot. One paid nothing. Want the short version? I’ll share it. Then I’ll tell you exactly what happened to us, step by step.
The quick answer (and it’s not pretty)
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B): hearing aids are not covered (see official Medicare policy).
- Medigap: does not cover hearing aids.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): many plans help, but the amounts vary a lot.
- Medicaid: depends on your state. Some states cover adults. Others do not.
- VA (Veterans): often covers hearing aids with no copay if you’re eligible.
- Retiree or federal employee plans: many offer an allowance.
Need a broader overview of senior insurance choices? The Today’s Seniors Network has an easy-to-follow guide that complements the tips below. For an even deeper dive into which plans really pick up the tab for hearing devices, check their detailed, real-world rundown on what insurance covers hearing aids for seniors.
Now, here’s what actually happened to me and my people.
Real stories from my family and friends
1) Me: Original Medicare, then Costco, then a lesson
I’m 62. I started with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan. Medicare paid for my hearing test (my doctor sent me for it). But not the aids. Not one penny.
So I went with Costco. I picked Jabra Enhance Pro, rechargeable, Bluetooth. My cost was about $1,700 for the pair, plus a few batteries for the charger case. The sound was clear, and phone calls were easy. The fit took two visits, which felt long. But the price helped, a lot.
Quick catch: my Medicare plan didn’t pay at Costco. Many don’t. And that’s fine—Costco prices are already low. Still, I had to pay cash.
2) Mom: Medicare Advantage with UnitedHealthcare
My mom’s on a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage HMO. Her plan uses UnitedHealthcare Hearing. She got mid-level receiver-in-canal aids (ReSound). The plan covered part of the cost. We still paid some out of pocket, but less than half of the sticker price. The exam was $0. Follow-ups were included for a year. That part was nice.
We learned to ask about “network.” If you go out of network, the price jumps. Also, battery coverage was limited. We bought extras at Costco.
3) Uncle Ray: Humana + TruHearing
Uncle Ray has Humana. The plan uses TruHearing. He paid a set copay per ear (his was a few hundred per ear for the “Advanced” tier). Fitting was smooth. He picked Starkey with rechargeables. They paired to his Android phone just fine. He had two free checkups. After that, there were small visit fees. He didn’t mind, since the big cost was handled.
Trick here: TruHearing has different tiers. The “Premium” tier cost more but added features like better noise handling in busy rooms. He stayed with “Advanced” and was happy.
4) Neighbor May: Kaiser Medicare Advantage in California
May has Kaiser Senior Advantage in Southern California. Her plan had a flat copay for a pair through Kaiser’s hearing partner. I think it was around a thousand for both, which beat full retail. She went with Oticon. She loved the soft sound quality, but the first molds were too tight. Kaiser remade them at no charge. The process was pretty tidy.
5) Aunt Lina: Medicaid in California (Medi-Cal)
Aunt Lina is on Medi-Cal. She got hearing aids approved with prior authorization. One set was covered (two aids) after her audiology report showed need. No copay. Earmolds and basic supplies were included. We did wait a few weeks. Paperwork was the hardest part, but the clinic guided us.
6) Mr. Ortiz: Medicaid in New York
My friend’s dad in Queens has New York Medicaid. He qualified for two aids about every four years. The basic pair was covered. He paid a small amount to upgrade to a rechargeable case. He didn’t have to pay for the hearing test. Batteries were covered for a while, then limited. He also got cleanings at no cost at first.
If you’re sorting through the fine print on these two programs, the UCSF Ear clinic has a clear Medicare/Medicaid care guide that breaks down where the help comes from.
7) My father-in-law: The VA came through
He’s a veteran. He got Phonak rechargeable hearing aids from the VA. No cost. They mailed batteries when he used disposables, then switched him to rechargeables. The app support was solid. Follow-ups were easy, with short visits. If you’re a veteran with documented hearing loss, check the VA. It can feel like a miracle after you’ve priced retail.
8) Retired federal worker friend: FEHB allowance
A friend who’s a retired federal employee had a plan with an allowance for hearing aids. He used it with a local audiologist, and the plan paid up to a set amount for the pair. He still paid some extra to get a top model (Signia), but the allowance cut the bill a ton.
What I ask every plan, every time
- Do you cover hearing aids at all?
- Is it an allowance, a copay, or a discount program?
- Which network do I have to use (TruHearing, NationsHearing, UnitedHealthcare Hearing, HearUSA, etc.)?
- What’s the per-ear amount? Is it per year or every few years?
- Are exams and follow-up visits covered?
- Are molds, chargers, and batteries covered?
- Any prior authorization?
- How many brands can I pick from (Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, Signia, Oticon, Jabra)?
- What happens if I return them? Is there a restocking fee?
I write the answers down like a little checklist. It saves headaches later.
If your plan says no (been there)
- Shop smart: Costco, Sam’s, or local clinics that list prices up front.
- Ask about “basic” tech. Today’s basic is pretty good in quiet rooms.
- Look for last-year models. They’re cheaper and still strong.
- Ask your audiologist about payment plans.
- Use HSA or FSA funds if you have them.
- Check state programs or hearing aid banks. Some charities help seniors.
- Ask about trial periods. Most clinics give 30 to 60 days.
- Keep your old pair as a backup. Trust me on this one.
If money is tight, take a minute to explore other relief programs aimed at older adults. This plain-talk guide to stimulus checks for seniors spells out who qualified for extra cash and why. And if you’re in Texas (or just curious), here’s a first-hand peek at low-income senior places in Brenham, TX—local community centers like these often know about free hearing-aid banks long before the internet catches up.
Likewise, seniors living in Southern California can stretch their budgets by tapping into hyper-local online classifieds; the Murrieta community board at OneNightAffair’s Backpage Murrieta regularly features neighborhood postings about health fairs, swap events, and gently-used medical equipment, helping you spot deals or donation opportunities without leaving home.
OTC vs. clinic: I’ve tried both
Over-the-counter hearing aids are cheaper. They’re meant for mild to moderate loss. I tested one pair for phone calls and TV. They were fine in quiet rooms. But in a busy diner? Not great. My clinic-fit aids handle noise better and fit my ears right. Also, insurance plans that cover aids usually cover the clinic route, not OTC.
So, could OTC work? Sure, for simple needs. But if voices still sound muddy, go see an audiologist. A good fitting is half the battle.
Maintaining connection goes beyond simply hearing the words; for many couples, nurturing intimacy also means finding fresh ways to communicate—especially when phone conversations or in-person dates aren’t always possible. If you’re curious about adding a little playful texting to your relationship, you can explore ideas, safety tips, and step-by-step guides at sexting.vip where seniors (and anyone else) can learn how to keep romance lively and private through flirty messages, photo sharing, and modern apps.
A tiny snag I learned the hard way
I thought “covered” meant free. It didn’t. Even with coverage, there were add-ons—like custom molds, chargers, extra visits. Not huge, but not nothing. So I ask for the full out-the-door price, in writing, before I say yes.
You know