Does Medicare Plan G Cover Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids can be life-changing for individuals experiencing hearing loss, but the high cost of these devices can be a significant financial burden.

When it comes to Medicare coverage, understanding which plans cover hearing aids is essential for making informed choices.

So, does Medicare Plan G cover hearing aids in 2024? Let’s dive into the world of Medicare plans and their coverage of hearing aids, alternative coverage options, and potential future changes in coverage.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the details of Medicare Plan G, the coverage of hearing aids in other Medicare plans, the cost of hearing aids without Medicare coverage, alternative ways to obtain coverage, and additional support for individuals with hearing loss.

Stay tuned to make an informed decision on the best Medicare plan to suit your hearing aid needs.

Short Summary

• Medicare Plan G does not cover hearing aids, but other Medicare plans may offer coverage.
• Most Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for hearing aids and over-the-counter options are also available.
• The Build Back Better Act proposes adding hearing aid coverage to Medicare which could provide significant support to individuals who rely on it for their needs.

Medicare Plan G, often referred to as Medigap Plan G, is a supplemental insurance plan designed to cover gaps in Original Medicare coverage.

While it assists with various out-of-pocket expenses, it’s crucial to note that Plan G does not include hearing aid benefits. This exclusion often stems from the high cost of hearing aids, which can vary significantly depending on the type and features of the device.

Although Medicare Plan G doesn’t cover hearing aids, beneficiaries can still enroll in insurance policies that provide coverage for hearing services, hearing aids, and hearing exams.

For those with Medicare Part B or a Medigap plan, a basic hearing exam’s average cost is around $7, and the test may even be covered at no cost depending on the plan.

Additionally, some may wonder, “Does Medicare cover hearing tests?” The answer is yes, as Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing exams when ordered by a physician.

Does Medicare Plan G Cover Hearing Aids?

Unfortunately, Medicare Plan G does not cover hearing aids. This exclusion dates back to when Medicare was created, as Section 1862 of Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

Act determined that hearing aids were not considered medically necessary.

Consequently, Medicare Supplement plans in 2024, including Plan G, do not offer coverage for hearing aids. The cost responsibility for hearing aids in Medicare Supplement plans lies with the individual.

While Plan G doesn’t cover hearing aids, there are other Medicare plans that may offer coverage, such as Medicare Advantage plans.

Later sections of this guide will explore these alternatives and help you find the best option to fit your hearing aid needs.

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Without Medicare coverage, the hearing aids cost can vary significantly, depending on the type of hearing aid and the provider.

Prices can vary from $700 to $3,000 based on the type, features, and audiology services included in the package.

The cost of hearing aids is contingent upon the type and level of technology employed.

For those seeking more affordable options, wholesale retailers like Costco offer basic hearing aid options that can be acquired for as little as $700 per device.

Another option for cost savings is unbundling audiology services, which involves separating these services from the cost of hearing aids, allowing for reduced upfront expenses.

Alternative Ways to Obtain Hearing Aid Coverage

Aside from Medicare Advantage plans, there are alternative options for obtaining hearing aid coverage. These include:

• Medicaid
• The Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program
• Health savings accounts (HSAs)
• Flexible savings accounts (FSAs)
• Purchasing from wholesale vendors
• Unbundling audiologist services

Medicaid offers a variety of benefits. In certain circumstances, hearing aids may be available as well.

Another option is the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which may provide a more affordable choice for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Let’s delve deeper into OTC hearing aids.

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Over-the-counter hearing aids are an accessible and convenient option for those with mild to moderate hearing loss.

These products are now available in retail stores and online, and no prescription or hearing exam is required to purchase them. However, the FDA has yet to give final approval for OTC hearing aids.

The use of OTC hearing aids offers several hearing benefits, including:

• Accessibility
• Affordability
• Convenience
• Improved communication
• Early intervention

However, it may still be beneficial to have a hearing assessment and fitting hearing aids before purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aid to determine the most suitable device for your health and financial needs.

The future of Medicare hearing aid coverage may change if the Build Back Better Act, which proposes adding hearing aid benefits to Medicare, is approved by the Senate.

The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage.

The Act, which was initially proposed in 2021 and reintroduced in 2023, seeks to eliminate the exclusion of hearing aids from the Medicare program.

If enacted, this bill would result in Medicare providing coverage for hearing aids, although the specifics of coverage have yet to be determined.

The H.R.5376 Build Back Better. If the Senate approves the Act, hearing aids and hearing care services will be included in the Medicare benefits package starting in October 2023.

This potential change could significantly impact individuals in need of hearing aids who rely on Medicare for coverage.

To find a coverage for hearing which is typically included in dental plan policies, call us today at 1-888-891-0229.

One of our licensed insurance agents can assist you in evaluating plans that offer hearing aid benefits and help you understand the costs, coverage, and terms of each plan.

Medicare’s Plan Finder is a free online tool you can use. It enables you to compare the details of the plans you are considering.

The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period occurs annually from January 1st to March 31st. You must provide your Medicare number and the date your Part A and/or Part B coverage began in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

This information can be found on your Medicare card.