Medicaid covers hearing aids in most states, but the rules vary widely by state and by which Medicaid program you're in

Whether Medicaid will pay for hearing aids depends on which state you live in and which Medicaid program covers you. Some states cover hearing aids for adults of any age. Others cover them only for children, or only for seniors on Medicare and Medicaid together. A few states don't cover them at all. Your state Medicaid office can tell you in one phone call whether your coverage includes hearing aids — and if it does, what the process looks like.

Even when your state does cover hearing aids, there are usually limits: a cap on how much Medicaid will pay, how often you can get a new pair, or which types of devices are covered. You may also need a referral from your doctor or an audiologist's evaluation before Medicaid will pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicaid hearing aid coverage exists in most states but the rules differ — some cover adults, some only children, and a few cover nobody.
  • Your state Medicaid office is the only source that can tell you whether you're covered and what paperwork you need.
  • Most states that cover hearing aids set a dollar limit per ear or per pair, and many require a doctor's referral or audiologist evaluation first.
  • If your state doesn't cover hearing aids through Medicaid, you may find lower-cost options through community health centers or nonprofit programs.

How to find out what your state covers

Call your state Medicaid office directly — this is the fastest way to get an answer specific to your situation. You can find the phone number on your Medicaid card, or search "[your state] Medicaid" online and look for the state agency contact page. Have your Medicaid ID number ready when you call.

When you call, ask three things: whether your state covers hearing aids for your age group, what the dollar limit is per ear or per pair, and whether you need a referral from your doctor before you can get them. If the answer is yes, ask what form your doctor needs to sign and whether you can submit it yourself or if your doctor has to send it in.

If you're having trouble reaching your state office, you can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging (if you're 60 or older) or your state's disability services office — both often have staff who know the Medicaid rules and can point you to the right department.

What happens if your state covers hearing aids

If your state does cover them, Medicaid typically requires you to see an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) who accepts Medicaid. That provider will test your hearing, determine what type of device you need, and submit the paperwork to Medicaid for approval. Some states require a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see the audiologist; others don't.

Once Medicaid approves the device, you'll get your hearing aids from the audiologist or a hearing aid supplier. Medicaid usually pays the provider directly, though you may have a small copay depending on your state's rules. Most states that cover hearing aids will pay for a new pair every three to five years, though this varies.

The dollar limit matters. Some states cap coverage at $500 per ear, others at $1,000 or $1,500 per ear. If the hearing aids you need cost more than the limit, you'll have to pay the difference out of pocket. Ask your audiologist what the Medicaid limit is in your state before you choose a device.

States with limited or no coverage

A handful of states don't cover hearing aids for adults through Medicaid, though most do cover them for children. If your state is one of these, or if the Medicaid limit is too low for the device you need, there are other routes to explore.

Community health centers often offer hearing tests and hearing aids at a reduced cost based on your income. You can find one near you by searching the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website or calling 211. Some nonprofit organizations, including the Hearing Loss Association of America and local Lions Clubs, also run programs that help people get hearing aids at lower cost or for free.

If you're 65 or older, you may also be covered by Medicare, which has different rules than Medicaid. Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans do. Check your plan documents or call your plan directly to see whether hearing aids are included.

What to bring when you apply

When you contact your state Medicaid office or visit an audiologist, have the following ready: your Medicaid ID number, proof of your current address, and any recent medical records related to your hearing (such as a hearing test from your doctor). If your state requires a referral, bring a signed form from your doctor or ask the audiologist's office to request it on your behalf.

If you're applying for Medicaid for the first time and don't yet have coverage, you'll need to go through the Medicaid application process first. Your state Medicaid office can tell you what documents you need — usually proof of income, citizenship or immigration status, and residency.

What to do if Medicaid denies coverage

If your state Medicaid program denies your request for hearing aids, you have the right to appeal. Your state Medicaid office will send you a notice explaining why the claim was denied and how to request a hearing. The deadline to appeal is usually 30 to 60 days from the date of the denial letter — check your notice for the exact date.

To appeal, you typically submit a written request to your state Medicaid office. You can include a letter from your doctor explaining why you need the hearing aids, or a statement from your audiologist about your hearing loss. Some states allow you to request an in-person or phone hearing where you can explain your situation to a Medicaid official.

If the appeal is also denied, you may be able to file a complaint with your state's health department or contact a legal aid organization in your state that handles Medicaid disputes. Many states have free legal aid programs for low-income people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral to get Medicaid to pay for hearing aids?

It depends on your state. Some states require a referral from your primary care doctor or an ENT before you can see an audiologist; others let you go directly to an audiologist who accepts Medicaid. Call your state Medicaid office to find out what your state requires.

How often will Medicaid pay for new hearing aids?

Most states that cover hearing aids will pay for a new pair every three to five years. Some states cover one ear at a time on a different schedule. Your state Medicaid office can tell you the exact timeline for your state.

What if the hearing aids I need cost more than Medicaid's limit?

You'll have to pay the difference out of pocket. Before you choose a device, ask your audiologist what Medicaid's dollar limit is in your state and what the device will cost. Some audiologists offer payment plans or discounts if you're paying part of the cost yourself.

Will Medicaid pay for hearing aid batteries or repairs?

Some states cover batteries and repairs as part of their hearing aid benefit; others don't. Ask your state Medicaid office and your audiologist what's included in your coverage. If Medicaid doesn't cover batteries, you can usually buy them at a pharmacy or online for a few dollars per pack.

What if I'm on both Medicare and Medicaid?

If you have both, Medicaid is usually your primary payer for hearing aids (Medicare Part B doesn't cover them). However, some Medicare Advantage plans do cover hearing aids. Check your Medicare plan documents or call your plan to see what's included, then contact your state Medicaid office to understand how the two programs work together in your case.