Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the details vary widely by where you live and which Medicaid program you're in

Whether Medicaid pays for hearing aids depends on your state and your specific Medicaid plan. Most states do cover them, but many place limits on how often you can get them, how much they'll pay, or which types of devices may have access to. Some states cover them only for children, while others cover adults too. A few states don't cover hearing aids through Medicaid at all, though they may cover the exam and fitting.

The only way to know what your state covers is to contact your Medicaid program directly or check your plan documents. Calling is faster than searching online, because coverage rules change and websites lag behind.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states cover hearing aids through Medicaid, but coverage limits, device types, and replacement schedules differ by state.
  • You will need a hearing test from an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat doctor, and a written prescription or recommendation before Medicaid will consider payment.
  • Your state Medicaid office can tell you in one call whether hearing aids are covered under your plan, what the cost limits are, and which providers are in-network.
  • If your state doesn't cover hearing aids, you may still be able to get a free or low-cost exam through a community health center or aging services program.

How to find out what your state Medicaid covers

Call your state Medicaid office directly. You can find the number on your Medicaid card, or search "[your state] Medicaid" plus "hearing aids" online. Have your Medicaid ID number ready when you call.

Ask three specific things: (1) Does your plan cover hearing aids? (2) How much will Medicaid pay per device or per pair? (3) How often can you get new ones — once a year, once every three years, or another schedule? Some states cover one hearing aid; others cover two. Some replace them every year; others every five years.

If you're in a Medicaid managed care plan (not traditional Medicaid), call your plan's customer service number instead. The rules may be different from the state program.

What you need before Medicaid will pay

Medicaid will not pay for a hearing aid without a medical reason documented on paper. You need a hearing test from an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, and that provider must write down that you have hearing loss and need a hearing aid. This is called a prescription or medical recommendation, depending on your state.

Some Medicaid programs cover the hearing test itself; others don't. Ask your state office whether the exam is covered before you schedule one. If it's not covered by Medicaid, a community health center or your local aging services program may offer free or low-cost hearing tests.

Once you have the test results and the provider's recommendation, you can take that paperwork to an in-network hearing aid provider. The provider will submit the paperwork to Medicaid for approval before fitting you with the device.

In-network providers and how to find them

Medicaid only pays for hearing aids from providers in its network. Using an out-of-network provider means you pay the full cost yourself. Your state Medicaid office or your managed care plan can give you a list of in-network audiologists and hearing aid dispensers in your area.

Not every audiologist or hearing aid store accepts Medicaid, even in states where Medicaid covers hearing aids. Call ahead and confirm that the provider takes your specific Medicaid plan before you schedule an appointment. Some providers only work with certain Medicaid programs or managed care plans.

What happens if your state doesn't cover hearing aids

A small number of states don't cover hearing aids through Medicaid, though this is becoming less common. If your state is one of them, you have other options. Many community health centers offer hearing tests and hearing aids on a sliding fee scale based on income — meaning you pay little or nothing if your income is low.

Your local Area Agency on Aging can also connect you to hearing aid programs for older adults. Some nonprofits and hearing aid manufacturers offer discounted or donated devices. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of programs by state.

Coverage limits and what they mean for you

Even in states that cover hearing aids, Medicaid usually sets a dollar limit on what it will pay per device. This might be $500, $1,000, or $2,000 per hearing aid, depending on the state. If the hearing aid costs more, you pay the difference out of pocket.

Medicaid also limits how often you can get new ones. Common replacement schedules are once every three years or once every five years. If you lose or damage a hearing aid before that time, you may have to pay for a replacement yourself, though some states make exceptions for documented loss or damage.

High-end hearing aids with advanced features often cost more than Medicaid's payment limit. If you want a more expensive device, you can pay the difference yourself. Ask your provider what the Medicaid payment will be and what you would owe for an upgrade.

Coverage for children versus adults

Some states cover hearing aids for children through Medicaid but not for working-age adults. This is because federal law requires states to cover hearing aids for children under 21 as part of early intervention and school services, but adult coverage is optional.

If you're an adult and your state doesn't cover hearing aids through regular Medicaid, check whether you may have access to for a disability waiver program or a specialized program for seniors. Coverage rules differ by program, and your state office can tell you which programs might help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use a specific brand of hearing aid?

No. Medicaid doesn't usually restrict you to one brand, but your provider may only stock certain brands or models. Ask your in-network provider which brands they carry and whether any are excluded. Some providers offer a wider selection than others.

Will Medicaid pay if I already bought a hearing aid without asking first?

Probably not. Medicaid requires prior approval before you buy the device. If you paid out of pocket without getting approval first, Medicaid won't reimburse you. Always get written approval from Medicaid before purchasing.

What if I need two hearing aids but Medicaid only covers one?

Some states cover one per ear; others cover one total. If your state covers only one and you need two, you can buy the second one yourself. Ask your provider whether they offer a discount on the second device if Medicaid is paying for the first.

Can I get a hearing aid through Medicaid if I'm also on Medicare?

If you have both Medicaid and Medicare, Medicaid is usually the primary payer for hearing aids, since Medicare doesn't cover them. Your state Medicaid office can explain the coordination between the two programs in your situation.

How long does it take to get approved and receive a hearing aid?

The hearing test and provider visit usually happen within a few weeks. Medicaid approval typically takes one to two weeks after the provider submits your paperwork. Once approved, you get fitted and receive the device at your next appointment. Total time is usually four to six weeks from your first call to wearing the device.