Medicare Advantage May Provide Hearing Aid Coverage
Some Medicare Advantage plans, also called Medicare Part C plans, may provide some hearing aid coverage. For example, Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield all offer at least one Medicare Advantage plan with hearing aid coverage.
Costs that might be covered include:
- Audiologist visits for fitting and adjustments
Because Medicare Advantage plans are offered through private insurance companies, the benefits vary from plan to plan. And some insurers choose not to offer hearing aid benefits at all. Others only offer a plan with hearing aid coverage in certain states.
Did You Know: According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 88 percent of Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage, which can significantly lower your out-of-pocket cost.2
You should also be aware that plans with hearing aid coverage may cost more than those without it. But given how expensive hearing aids are, it may be worth paying the higher premium if it means you won’t need to pay for your hearing aids entirely out of pocket.
Visit your insurer’s website or give them a call to see what, if any, hearing aid coverage you have. If you aren’t covered, you can wait for a Medicare Advantage enrollment period, and then switch to a plan that offers hearing aid coverage in your state if you decide it’s a good fit for you.
FYI: Learn everything you need to know about Medicare enrollment in our extensive 2022 Medicare Guide.
Humana Hearing Aid Benefits May Include:
- Insurance coverage benefits are dependent on the individuals plan contact our insurance partner to understand your benefit!
- Certain Humana insurance members are eligible for 3-year warranty, 3-year loss and damage coverage, and premium battery or charger benefits with the purchase of certain devices through their plan
Medicare Advantage Hearing Aid Coverage In 2022
Medicare Advantage plans often include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Before signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure the network includes your preferred providers as well as the suite of hearing benefits you need, as some do cover hearing aids. Also, check to ensure that youll have access to a local and reputable audiologist within your plan network for your hearing health needs.
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Switch Your Plan Not Your Doctor
Though you have a new plan option, chances are you may be able to continue seeing your doctors. This is because this plan is the Aetna Medicare Plan with an extended service area . This is a type of Medicare Advantage plan. With this type of plan you pay the same cost for any doctor or hospital, according to the costs listed on the plan benefits summary. The provider must be eligible to receive Medicare payment and accept the Aetna plan.
- Instructions on how to use Aetna Medicare Advantage provider search »
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- Step 1: After clicking on Find your provider, choose 2022 Medicare plans you through your employer
- Step 2: Enter your home zip code OR city, state then select from the drop-down
- Step 3: Choose select plan to find providers
- Step 4: Choose Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug plan
- Step 5: Under PPO section Select Aetna Medicare Plan with Extended Service Area *
- Step 6: Then choose medical and click continue to find care at the bottom right of your screen to find providers
*As a member of the Aetna Medicare Plan with an Extended Service Area , you can receive services from any provider that is eligible to receive Medicare payment and is willing to treat you. Your cost share will be the same as in-network care. Out-of-network providers are under no obligation to treat Aetna members, except in emergency situations.
Medicare And Hearing Aids: Coverage Costs And Best Plans
Find Cheap Medicare Plans in Your Area
Hearing aid coverage varies based on the type of Medicare. Hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare or Medigap plans. However, most Medicare Advantage plans have some coverage for hearing aids. Even with these plans, enrollees pay an average of $1,817 per hearing aid, a discount from the typical cost of $2,300.
For those who are dual-enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, hearing aids are covered through Medicaid in 28 states. There is broader coverage across all types of Medicare for hearing exams and implantable hearing devices.
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Finding A Medicare Advantage Plan That Covers Hearing Aids
Seniors who need coverage for hearing care, including testing and hearing aids, should begin by contacting their Medicare Advantage provider to determine whether its covered under their existing plan. If not, their insurer can generally suggest a more suitable plan that offers the coverage they need. However, seniors who want to switch plans may need to wait until the general enrollment period to make the change. That occurs every year from October 15 to December 7.
If a senior is already working with an audiologist or other hearing care provider, its a good idea to ask the provider which Medicare Advantage plans are accepted at that clinic. Medicare Advantage plans generally only cover care at in-network providers, so selecting a plan that is already accepted can help guarantee that theres no need to find a new health care provider.
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Humana Medicare Advantage Plans
Humana offers many different supplemental insurance plans called Medicare Advantage plans, and they are mostly PPO and HMO plans.
If you are covered by any one of Humanas Medicare Advantage plans and your audiologist, hearing instrument specialist, or physician is in your network of approved providers, then you can claim some or all the following benefits:
- No copayment required for a yearly, standard hearing assessment
- No copayment required for up to three fittings and assessments for hearing aids per year
- $30 to $50 copayment or 20% coinsurance for benefits covered by Medicare
- Copayment required for your hearing aids $0 or $199 to $699 per ear for advanced level devices or $0 or $699 to $999 per ear for premium level devices, and an additional $50 copay for rechargeable aids
- $1,000 hearing aid allowance some brands might not be covered, and the limit is for two hearing aids per year
Humana hearing aid benefits are only given once a doctor, hearing aid specialist, or audiologist has determined the level of hearing loss with a hearing evaluation.
You will pay a higher copayment for an out-of-network provider, and there are limits on coverage.
- Hearing exams covered by Medicare require a 20 to 50% coinsurance payment.
- Hearing exams not covered by Medicare require a $0 to $50 copayment.
- Hearing aids not covered by Medicare require a copayment of $0 or $199 to $699.
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Does Medicare Cover Hearing Implants
Yes. Auditory Osseo integrated and Auditory Brainstem Implant devices and related services are covered under Medicare as prosthetic devices. This includes bone-anchored hearing aids . Specific devices that replace the function of the middle ear, cochlea or auditory nerve as prosthetic devices are also payable by Medicare.5
Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans
Another Medicare advantage provider with a number of options for people who need hearing aids is Aetna. The choices for Aetna Medicare advantage plans that provide hearing aid coverage include a direct member reimbursement service, and the Aetna network itself. Direct Aetna policyholders benefits include annual hearing exam coverage and hearing aid fitting appointments.
People who have Aetna coverage through the direct member reimbursement service receive total coverage. Yearly routine hearing exams, along with hearing aid fitting appointments with in-network audiologists are a few of the perks. Additionally, direct member reimbursement plans provide an allowance annually which allows them to visit the licensed audiologists of their choice if theyre out of network.
The only rule for policyholders who choose direct member reimbursement is that the provider must accept Medicare beneficiaries. The costs for each of Aetnas Medicare advantage plans that offer hearing aid assistance drastically differ. Since thats the case, its crucial to have a complete understanding of what you could be responsible for paying. The most common costs associated with Aetna Medicare advantage plans include deductibles, monthly premiums, and copays.
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Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans
Location is an especially important factor to consider when it comes to choosing the right Cigna Medicare advantage plan. If you live in an area that offers access to Cignas Medicare advantage plan with hearing aid coverage, youre in luck. Thats because Cignas partner, Hearing Care Solutions, offers a variety of benefits specifically catering to people with hearing problems.
Some of the benefits that come with Cignas partnership with Hearing Care Solutions include free fittings for hearing aids, free exams unless theres a co-pay, along with a wide selection of hearing aids to choose from.
Some of the hearing aid brands that are available to choose from through this partnership include Beltone, Starkey, Signia, Rexton, Widex, and ReSound, among others. If you have a select brand of hearing aid that youd prefer to use, its important to consult with your provider to ensure that its available under the plan you select.
Taking that into consideration, if you prefer a specific brand of hearing aid its important to make sure that its price doesnt exceed the amount of coverage you have. If you dont, you may be left paying the surplus amount of the hearing aid. Costs for hearing aids depend on numerous factors, including the technology involved in constructing them. Also, Cignas plans that include hearing aid coverage tend to change from year to year. So its important to consult with an expert annually to find out what coverage your plan has.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Tests
Medicare only covers hearing tests in certain situations. It wonât cover hearing exams for reasons solely related to hearing aids. For example, if you already have hearing aids and want a hearing test to reevaluate your hearing loss, Medicare will likely deny coverage.
Eargo Hearing Test
However, if your doctor orders a diagnostic hearing exam to determine whether or not you need medical treatment, Medicare Part B will offer . That doesnât mean itâs free. You will need to pay:
- 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount
- The Part B deductible
- A copay to the hospital if youâre getting the exam done in a hospital outpatient setting
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Medicare And Hearing Aid Costs
Probably the first question will be, âDoes Medicare offer any coverage for hearing aids?â. The real battle will then begin. Like many seniors, you may be financially challenged, having little more than Social Security to cover your expenses. Must you avoid social interaction or just deal with the frustration of not being able to hear normal conversations?
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How Does Humana Medicare Advantage Work
According to a Humana customer service representative, its networks are regionally based. Each plan has its own set of providers, specialists and pharmacists.
Plan options vary based on location, but can include health maintenance organization plans, preferred provider organization plans, special needs plans and private fee-for-service plans.
Private fee-for-service plans essentially allow you to work with any provider who is Medicare-approved and agrees to the conditions of your plan.
Humana HMO plans allow you to choose a doctor from the Humana provider network. With Humana, youre also not locked into a provider and can switch as you see fit. Most Humana HMO plans include prescription coverage. They also offer hearing benefits, as well as vision and dental benefits, none of which are covered by traditional Medicare.
PPO plans are more flexible in terms of picking providers, so if you have several specialists or a preferred physician, a Humana PPO plan may be best for you.
Humana SNPs are designed for people who are:
- Living with a chronic health condition
- Dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid
- Residents of a long-term care facility
There are two specific types of SNP plans with Humana: Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans and Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. Currently, these plans are available in just under 30 U.S. states.
Each Humana Medicare Advantage plan includes dental, vision and hearing benefits. Other benefits often offered by these plans include:
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Medicare Advantage Plans Provide The Best Overall Hearing Benefits
Unlike Original Medicare, most Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and exams.
- Hearing aids are covered by 88% of Medicare Advantage plans.
- Hearing exams are covered by 97% of Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are more like traditional insurance, and they combine multiple categories of coverage, including medical, hospital, prescription drugs and add-on benefits for hearing, dental and vision. As a result, they offer more robust support for hearing health.
Keep in mind that hearing benefits vary widely with Medicare Advantage plans, and partial coverage could still leave you with high out-of-pocket costs.
On average, Medicare Advantage enrollees still pay about 79% of the cost of a hearing aid. That means it would cost you about $1,817 for a $2,300 hearing aid.
Plans may also have coverage specifics about audiologist appointments. For example, 57% of Medicare Advantage enrollees need preauthorization for a routine hearing exam. Check your policy for details on benefits and restrictions.
Best Medicare Advantage plans for hearing aids
- Typical hearing aid cost: $375 to $2,075
- Options for virtual hearing care and devices shipped to your home
Save Even More With Over
Not everyone has $5,000 sitting around to spend on hearing aids. That’s why many seniors put off getting hearing aids. Fortunately, you do have other options to get the hearing assistance you need. Over-the-counter hearing aids, which you can buy without a professional hearing test, can be much cheaper. For example, MDHearing devices start at just $799.98 per pair. Plus, you can buy them onlineno need for office visits.
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How Do Hearing Aids Work
There are many different types of hearing aids available on the market, but they all work to amplify sound so that people with hearing loss can better communicate. Some hearing aids are very small and barely visible, while others are larger and more noticeable. There are also different types of hearing aid technology, ranging from basic analog hearing aids to more advanced digital hearing aids.
Most hearing aids have three main parts: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker. The microphone picks up sound waves and converts them into electrical signals. The amplifier makes the electrical signals louder. The speaker then converts the amplified electrical signals back into sound waves, which are sent into the ear.
Hearing aids can be purchased from a variety of different sources, including hearing aid manufacturers, audiologists, and ENT specialists. Many insurance companies cover hearing aids, and some also cover routine hearing exams and hearing care.
Humana is one of the largest insurance companies in the United States and offers a variety of different insurance plans, including Medicare Advantage plans. Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of different benefits, including coverage for hearing aids.
Hearing aids can be purchased from a variety of different sources, including hearing aid manufacturers, audiologists, and ENT specialists. Many insurance companies cover hearing aids, and some also cover routine hearing exams and hearing care.
Does Humana Cover Hearing Aids
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Humana covers part of the cost of hearing aids in some of its plans if a member has been diagnosed with hearing loss by a doctor. Without insurance, a pair of standard hearing aids can cost about $2,500 or more. For a cochlear implant, the price ranges from $30,000 to $50,000. Humana insurance plans that help pay for these devices can save members hundreds or thousands of dollars, so its important to know whats covered before considering hearing aid options.
Select Humana Medicare Advantage plans include access to TruHearing, a hearing aid benefit program that covers the co-pay for up to two hearing aid devices per year. The benefit also includes one annual routine hearing exam at no cost to the member. If the members plan includes this program, they can get a standard hearing aid for a $699 co-pay, or a premium hearing aid for a co-pay of $999. Humana Medicare Advantage plans that dont include TruHearing might still cover part of the cost of a hearing aid, however. Benefits typically include a $1,000 hearing aid allowance instead of a fixed co-pay.
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Replace Underperforming Hearing Aids
Like most electronics, the performance of your hearing aids may decline over time. Dust, moisture, and everyday wear and tear can lead your hearing aids to simply not work as well as they used to. Nothing lasts forever, and the inevitable decline of your current hearing aids is one of the reasons your health plan offers you a benefit. They know your hearing aids wont function as well after a few years, so your benefit is there to make sure you are always addressing your hearing needs in the best way possible.
Does Humana Medicare Cover Dental
- $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans available in some areas1
- Many plans offer prescription drug coverage and vision and dental benefits
- Over 4 million people are enrolled in a Humana Medicare Advantage Plan2
Original Medicare doesnt normally cover routine dental services.3
However, some Humana Medicare plans may cover certain dental services. Your dental coverage will depend on which Humana Medicare plan you have.
If you dont currently have a Humana Medicare plan, you can get more information by calling a licensed sales agent4 at 1-855-298-6309 TTY Users: 711 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,or by requesting a free plan quote online, there is no obligation to enroll in a plan.
You can find out if your Humana Medicare plan may include coverage for dental care by reading the section below that correlates to your current coverage.
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