Cost and coverage
Does Insurance Cover Hearing Aids or Hearing Tests? A Westchester and Greenwich Guide
Does insurance cover hearing aids? Medicare, Medicare Advantage, NY Medicaid and Connecticut rules explained in plain words. Call us to check your plan.
Read time: 5 min read
Coverage for hearing aids depends on the type of plan you have, the state it comes from, and the provider you see. This page gives the general rules as of October 2026. Plans change every year. Always confirm the details with your plan before you buy. We cannot list every plan we work with on this page, so call us to check before you book.
The sections below explain each plan type in plain words. A summary table sits at the end of the page.
“Coverage depends on your plan, your state and your provider. Ask your plan four questions before you buy.”
Original Medicare
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. It also does not cover routine hearing exams that are done to fit hearing aids. It can cover a diagnostic hearing or balance exam when your doctor orders it to find out whether you need medical treatment. You usually pay part of the cost for that exam. If you are on Original Medicare, plan to pay for hearing aids yourself, or look at the other options on this page.
Medicare Advantage
Many Medicare Advantage plans include some hearing benefit. The benefit varies a lot. Some plans give a set dollar amount toward hearing aids. Some give a set copay per device. Some only work with a specific network of providers. Ask your plan four things. Is a hearing exam covered? What is the dollar amount for hearing aids, and how often does it renew? Which providers or networks can I use? Do I need a referral or approval first? Use the plan's phone number on your member card. During Medicare open enrollment, you can compare hearing benefits between plans before you choose.
New York Medicaid
New York Medicaid can cover hearing aids when they are medically necessary. Rules usually include prior approval, a Medicaid-enrolled provider, and limits on how often you can get new devices. Rules differ between the fee-for-service program and Medicaid managed care plans. Call your plan or the New York State Department of Health to confirm what applies to you. Call us to ask whether we can see you under your plan.
Employer and private plans
Many employer and private plans in New York do not pay for adult hearing aids. Some do, with a dollar limit or a set number of years between devices. A plan that your employer pays for itself, rather than buying from an insurer, often follows federal rules instead of state law. This is one reason two people in the same town can have different coverage. Read your plan summary, or ask your benefits office.
Greenwich and Connecticut
Our offices are in Harrison and Somers, New York. Harrison is the closer office to Greenwich. If you live in Connecticut, your plan may follow Connecticut rules. According to the American Academy of Audiology, a Connecticut law that took effect on January 1, 2020 expanded coverage to adults. It covers one hearing aid per ear every two years on plans regulated by the state. Plans that an employer pays for itself may not follow that law. Ask your plan whether it applies to you, and what the plan pays.
Veterans
Veterans who are enrolled in VA health care may be able to get hearing aids through the VA. Eligibility depends on your service record and your enrollment. Contact the VA to find out what you qualify for. If you choose to buy outside the VA, ask us what we can offer.
Pay with pre-tax money
Hearing aids are generally an eligible medical expense for a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). Some people can also deduct medical costs on their taxes when the costs pass a set share of their income. Ask your tax adviser how this applies to you.
How to check your own benefit
Call the number on your insurance card. Ask these questions. Does my plan cover a hearing exam and hearing aids? What is the dollar limit, and how often does it renew? Do I need a referral or prior approval? Is Audiology Associates of Westchester in my network? Write down the date, the name of the person you spoke with and what they said. Then call our Harrison office at (914) 949-0034 or our Somers office at (914) 556-6720, and we will help you with the next step.
| Plan type | Hearing aids | Hearing exams | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare | Not covered | Diagnostic exams may be covered when a doctor orders them | Whether your doctor can order the exam |
| Medicare Advantage | Often some benefit. Varies by plan | Often covered | Dollar limit, network and approvals |
| New York Medicaid | May be covered when medically necessary | Varies by plan | Prior approval and enrolled provider |
| Employer or private plan | Varies. Many adult plans exclude them | Varies | Your plan summary or benefits office |
| Connecticut state-regulated plan | One hearing aid per ear every two years for adults, per the American Academy of Audiology | Varies | Whether your plan is state-regulated |
| VA health care | May be covered if you qualify | May be covered | Your enrollment and eligibility |
Common questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams for fitting them. It can cover a diagnostic hearing or balance exam when a doctor orders it. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some hearing benefit, and the details vary by plan.
Does New York Medicaid pay for hearing aids?
New York Medicaid can cover hearing aids when they are medically necessary. Rules often include prior approval and an enrolled provider. Check with your plan before you book, because rules differ by plan.
Does Connecticut require insurance to cover adult hearing aids?
According to the American Academy of Audiology, a Connecticut law that took effect on January 1, 2020 expanded coverage to adults, at one hearing aid per ear every two years. It applies to plans regulated by the state. Employer plans that pay claims themselves may be outside it, so ask your plan.
Can I use my FSA or HSA for hearing aids?
Hearing aids are generally an eligible medical expense for an FSA or HSA. Check your plan's rules, and keep your receipt.
Do you take my insurance?
Plans and networks change often. Call our Harrison office at (914) 949-0034 or our Somers office at (914) 556-6720 with your plan name and member ID, and we will tell you what applies.
What if my plan does not cover hearing aids?
You still have options. You can ask about payment plans, a lower technology level, or an over-the-counter device after a hearing test. Our hearing aid cost guide explains what each option includes.
