Does Medicaid Cover Hearing Aids?

In terms of Medicaid coverage for hearing aids, your eligibility may depend on several factors. Medicaid is a federally governed program that is administered at the state level. Different states provide different benefits and have different eligibility requirements.

As a result, you will need to contact your state’s Medicaid office to discuss its benefits. About half of all states in the U.S. provide a hearing aid benefit through Medicare, so your eligibility may come down to where you live and what plans providers are able to offer in your area.

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Other Coverage for Hearing Aids

In addition to Medicaid, you may also be able to receive coverage for hearing aids as someone who is dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Dual-eligibles must meet the qualifications for both programs, but if qualified, dual-eligibles can receive coverage from both Medicare and Medicaid. This is beneficial in the event that one program offers coverage for something when the other does not. In such a situation, one program may be able to fill in a gap left by the other.

You may also qualify for both programs under a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). These plans provide benefits from both Medicare and Medicaid, and D-SNP plans may also come with specific eligibility requirements and costs not found with traditional Medicare or traditional Medicaid plans.

In many cases, a D-SNP plan will be issued to someone who is disabled and falls below a certain income threshold while also meeting the age requirements for Medicare. In other cases, the qualifying individual is the disabled dependent of someone who meets the eligibility requirements.

To learn more about D-SNP eligibility in your state, contact your local Medicaid or Medicare office. You can also work with a Licensed Insurance Agent who can explain the options available in your state.

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Hearing Loss in Adults

Hearing loss can affect more than just your ability to enjoy sound. With the loss of hearing also comes safety concerns since being able to hear clearly is necessary for safety while driving, in crowds and in your home.

Some people experience a steady and gradual decline in hearing over the course of many years due to aging, but other people may experience a sudden and sharp decrease in hearing to the point of complete deafness after injury to the eardrums. No matter the cause of hearing loss, hearing aids are often the first line of defense in restoring hearing health.

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The Cost of Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids come with a number of advanced features, and as with anything electronic, more features typically mean higher costs. In 2021, hearing aids can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars for generic sound amplifying hearing aids to thousands of dollars for hearing aids that reproduce natural tones and come equipped with Bluetooth technology.

Hearing aid styles can also affect costs. Over-the-ear and behind-the-ear hearing aids are more traditional and may cost less, while inner-ear hearing aids and cochlear implants will generally cost much more. As features like fall detection and wireless phone integration are added, costs go up.

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