As people age, their hearing ability can start to decline, making it difficult to communicate with others and engage in daily activities.
One solution to this problem is hearing aids, which can amplify sound and improve speech recognition. However, hearing aids can be expensive, and many seniors are left wondering if Medicare will cover the cost.
The answer to this question is not straightforward, as it depends on several factors. In this blog post, we will explore Medicare coverage for hearing aids and discuss alternative options for coverage.
Medicare Coverage for Hearing Aids
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that primarily covers people aged 65 and older. The program is divided into several parts, with Part A covering hospital insurance and Part B covering medical insurance. While Medicare Part B covers many healthcare services, it does not cover hearing aids.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Medicare Part B will cover the cost of a diagnostic hearing exam if a doctor orders the test to determine if a hearing aid is necessary. Additionally, if a person needs a cochlear implant, Medicare Part B will cover the cost of the implant and related services.
Medicare Advantage Plans and Hearing Aids
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to traditional Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies and are required to cover everything that Medicare Part A and Part B cover, as well as some additional services.
Some Medicare Advantage Plans do offer coverage for hearing aids. However, it is important to note that coverage can vary by plan, and some plans may have limitations on coverage, such as requiring the use of specific hearing aid brands or models.
Eligibility for Medicare Coverage of Hearing Aids
To be eligible for Medicare coverage of hearing aids, a person must meet certain criteria. First, they must have a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers coverage for hearing aids. Second, they must have a doctor order a diagnostic hearing exam to determine if a hearing aid is necessary. Finally, they must have a hearing aid prescription from a doctor.
About Preferred Senior Benefits in Meridian, Idaho
Medicare is a federal program that provides healthcare coverage to individuals 65 years or older. Original Medicare coverage is broken into two parts—Part A and Part B—and is accepted by nearly every doctor and hospital in the country. Medicare Part A covers inpatient or hospital stays, while Part B covers outpatient or medical care. Together, Part A and B cover about 80% of the typical healthcare costs seniors face. This leaves a few significant gaps in coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans are policies designed to help extend coverage, lessen costs, and ultimately give beneficiaries peace of mind. If you or someone you know would like more
information about how to enroll in Original Medicare or one of the Medicare Advantage plans, call now to speak with a licensed agent (208) 818-2523. We can’t wait to help you learn about your options.