Does Medicare Cover Hearing Tests?

Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if the exam is considered medically necessary by a doctor. However, Medicare does not cover routine hearing exams, hearing aids or hearing aid fittings. 

If Medicare covers your hearing test, you'll typically have to pay out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurance or copays.

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan can help pay for your hearing test costs if your hearing test is covered by Medicare.

Medicare doesn't cover routine hearing tests but may cover ear exams in some situations.

When Does Medicare Cover Hearing Tests?

Hearing and balance tests are sometimes used to diagnose certain medical conditions and determine whether or not you require medical treatment.

Medicare Part B does pay for diagnostic hearing exams for individuals who are:

• Enrolled in Medicare Part B

• Prescribed a diagnostic hearing test by a doctor who accepts Medicare assignment

How Much Do Hearing Tests Cost With Medicare?

There are a few factors that can affect your Medicare costs for covered hearing exams:

• If you go to the doctor for a routine hearing exam (which Medicare doesn't cover), you are responsible for 100 percent of the costs.

• If you go to the doctor to get a hearing aid or for hearing aid maintenance, you are responsible for 100 percent of the costs.

• If your diagnostic hearing and balance exam is approved for coverage under Medicare Part B, you are responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your hearing test. Medicare pays the remaining 80%.

Before Medicare will pay its share of an approved hearing and balance test, you must first meet your Medicare Part B deductible. The Medicare Part B deductible in 2024 is $240 per year. 

Your doctor can provide more detailed information about how much your hearing test will cost out of pocket. Specific health care costs may depend on:

• The type of facility you go to for your hearing exam

• Your location

• Other insurance you may have

• How much your doctor charges for the service

Medicare Supplement Plans Help Pay for Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs

Medicare Supplement Insurance (also known as Medigap) can help cover your hearing test Medicare costs if it's covered by Medicare Part B.

There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states, and each plan provides full or partial coverage for Medicare Part B coinsurance costs you might face if Medicare covers your hearing exam.

A licensed agent can help you decide on a Medicare option that works for you. Call today to speak with a licensed agent and compare the Medigap plans that are available where you live.