Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and for some younger people with certain disabilities.
Many people who need hearing aids want to know if Medicare will help cover the cost in 2026.
The rules for hearing aids under Medicare have not changed to include broad coverage in 2026. Original Medicare still excludes routine hearing aids.
However, there are options available through some plans, new technologies, and proposed policy changes.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →Does Original Medicare cover hearing aids in 2026?
Original Medicare, which is Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), does not cover routine hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. This rule remains in effect for 2026. You are generally responsible for the full cost of hearing aids if you have Original Medicare.
Medicare Part B does cover some diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by your doctor for specific medical reasons, but this is different from covering hearing aids themselves.
Why does Original Medicare not cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare was created with specific coverage categories. Hearing aids and routine hearing tests were explicitly excluded when the program was established.
Congress has debated expanding coverage but no law has been passed that requires Original Medicare to pay for standard hearing aids as of 2026.
Diagnostic hearing exams ordered by a doctor for medical reasons may be covered under Part B with 20 percent coinsurance after your deductible is met.
Routine exams or fittings to get hearing aids are excluded from Medicare Part B coverage.
Can Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids?
Yes.
Many Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) offered by private insurers now include hearing benefits as part of their supplemental coverage. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and they can add extra benefits like hearing aid coverage, routine hearing exams, fittings, and sometimes allowances toward the cost of devices.
The exact level of coverage varies widely by plan. Some plans offer a set amount or credit toward hearing aids, others include coverage for specific classes of devices, and some partners negotiate discounts with hearing aid suppliers. You must review the details of each plan’s hearing benefit before enrolling.
Contact the plan provider or use the Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov to compare plans with hearing aid benefits.
Are there new 2026 options to get hearing aids through Medicare?
In 2026, there has been no final rule or legislation that forces Original Medicare to pay for hearing aids. However, proposed bills such as the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025 have been introduced in Congress to remove the exclusion of hearing aids from Medicare coverage.
These proposals aim to allow Medicare Part B to cover hearing aids and related exams in future years if passed into law. These policy changes remain under review, and no coverage change has been enacted for 2026.
Even though no new federal rule has taken effect, the availability of over‑the‑counter (OTC) hearing aids approved by the FDA provides a new way to access affordable devices outside of traditional prescription models.
Medicare still does not cover OTC hearing aids, but they are usually cheaper than prescription hearing aids and can be purchased without a prescription.
How much do hearing aids cost if Medicare does not cover them?
Hearing aids can be expensive. Prices vary depending on the technology level and features. On average, one hearing aid can cost from around $1,000 to $3,000 or more, and a pair may range from $2,000 to $7,000.
These costs usually include the device, fitting, follow‑up adjustments, and sometimes warranties. Over‑the‑counter hearing aids can cost less, often from around $200 to $1,500 or more.
Can Medigap plans cover hearing aids?
Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, help cover out‑of‑pocket costs for services Original Medicare covers but do not generally pay for services or items Original Medicare excludes.
Since Original Medicare excludes hearing aids, Medigap will not cover them either.
What should I do during Medicare open enrollment?
If hearing aid coverage is important to you, compare Medicare Advantage plans during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year). Many plans now include hearing benefits, but the extent and rules differ.
You can also change plans during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 each year if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and want to switch.
