What Original Medicare covers
Medicare.gov is clear: Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them. What Part B does cover:
- Diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor or other provider orders them to see whether you need medical treatment.
- One audiologist visit every 12 months without an order, but only for non-acute hearing conditions such as gradual hearing loss over many years, or for diagnostic services related to surgically implanted hearing devices.
For a covered exam, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). In a hospital outpatient setting you may also owe the hospital a copayment.
Ways Ohioans pay for hearing aids
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage plan | Some plans add hearing coverage; check the plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage |
| Ohio Medicaid | Covers hearing aids for adults who meet the medical-necessity rule |
| Over-the-counter hearing aids | Sold without a prescription to adults with perceived mild to moderate loss |
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing or fitness. Extra benefits vary by plan and county, may have limits and costs, and not every plan offers them. Check a plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage. Ask whether a hearing benefit uses a specific network of hearing providers. See Medicare Advantage in Ohio.
Ohio Medicaid hearing aids
Under OAC 5160-10-11, Ohio Medicaid pays for a hearing aid when:
- You get a hearing evaluation. It must be done within six months before the hearing aid is dispensed and summarized by an otologist, otolaryngologist or audiologist.
- Your test shows enough loss. For adults, a best pure-tone average loss of at least 31 decibels in the ear tested.
- A certificate of medical necessity is completed. Ohio uses form ODM 01915, signed within 90 days of dispensing.
- You confirm the fit. The provider bills after a follow-up visit, usually within 30 days, confirms the hearing aid works for you. Warranties run at least a year.
If you have Medicare and full Ohio Medicaid, your MyCare Ohio plan handles your Medicaid benefits. Questions: Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline, 1-800-324-8680.
Get help
A licensed insurance agent who works with Benefits Life can explain how hearing care fits with Medicare and compare plans from the companies they work with, at no cost to you. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or see plans for your ZIP code.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover eye exams and glasses?
Glaucoma tests, cataracts and glasses.
Does Medicare cover dental in Ohio?
When it pays, and Ohio Medicaid dental.
Can I keep my doctor with Medicare?
Networks, assignment and Ohio's billing law.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Hearing aids
- Medicare.gov — Hearing and balance exams
- Ohio Administrative Code — Rule 5160-10-11, DMEPOS: hearing aids
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — OTC hearing aids: what you should know
More questions in this guide
- Can I keep my doctor when I go on Medicare in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover dental in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover diabetes supplies in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover eye exams and glasses in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Ohio?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Ohio?
- How do I get rides to the doctor with Medicare in Ohio?
Part of the guide: Medicare basics for Ohioans · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medigap pay for hearing aids?
No. Medigap policies help pay costs for services Original Medicare covers, and Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids. A Medigap policy can help with your share of a covered diagnostic hearing exam.
Does Ohio Medicaid pay for hearing aids for adults?
Yes, when the rule's conditions are met. Ohio's hearing aid rule (OAC 5160-10-11) requires a certificate of medical necessity and a recent hearing evaluation, and for adults a hearing loss of at least 31 decibels in the ear tested.
Can I buy hearing aids without a prescription?
Yes. Since October 17, 2022, the FDA has allowed over-the-counter hearing aids for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Medicare doesn't pay for them.
Medicare in your Ohio county
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