Hearing Aids & Medicare Advantage: What You Need to Know

 

Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) does not cover hearing aids or fitting services — you pay 100% out-of-pocket for them. Routine hearing tests may be covered under Part B only if medically ordered by a doctor, but no hearing aid devices are covered. 

That’s where Medicare Advantage (Part C) comes in. These are private insurance plans approved by Medicare that can offer extra benefits — including hearing services and hearing aids — that Original Medicare doesn’t provide. 

 

Network Providers Matter — Coverage Isn’t “Go Anywhere”

Important: Most Medicare Advantage hearing benefits require you to use network hearing providers — not simply any audiologist or brick-and-mortar hearing store. Many plans work with third-party hearing networks such as TruHearing or NationsHearing, or have their own provider networks. 

For example:

• UnitedHealthcare plans typically require you to use UnitedHealthcare Hearing network providers to get hearing aids covered. Hearing exams themselves may be done anywhere (sometimes any provider), but the devices must be ordered through their approved network or the benefit won’t pay. 

• Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits, but details (such as copay amounts and device tiers) vary by plan — you’ll need to see their in-network partner and policies to get hearing aids covered. 

• Aetna Medicare Advantage partners with NationsHearing for hearing aid coverage. Under many plans, hearing aids are only covered when obtained through NationsHearing providers; exams may be more flexible depending on plan type (HMO vs. PPO). 

This means if you go to a local hearing store that isn’t in your plan’s network, your plan likely won’t pay — and you’ll be responsible for the full cost yourself. That’s why network compliance matters just like it does for doctors or specialists in your plan. 

 

What the Plans Typically Cover

Medicare Advantage hearing benefits vary a lot by plan and region, but common features include:

• A routine hearing exam each year (some plans cover this separately even with out-of-network exam providers). 

• Coverage or allowances toward hearing aid devices, often with copays or cost-sharing. 

• Fittings and follow-up appointments included with the benefit. 

• Trial periods and manufacturer warranties through the hearing aid network partner. 

Limits may apply:
✔ Dollar limits per ear every plan year or every few years
✔ Certain technology levels covered (basic or mid-tier)
✔ Some plans may exclude premium features unless you pay extra
✔ Coverage only at approved provider offices or partners 

 

Why This Network Requirement Matters

While it may seem convenient to walk into any hearing store — like a big-box retailer or independent audiologist — coverage generally won’t apply unless that provider is in your plan’s approved network or works with the plan’s designated hearing partner. This is similar to how medical specialists must be in-network for full coverage under MA plans. 

Always:

✔ Check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
✔ Call member services to confirm hearing aid provider network
✔ Ask ahead whether a specific store or clinic accepts your plan

 

Visual Examples of Hearing Aids

Below are different styles of hearing aids that may be available through provider networks — quality, features, and coverage depend on your specific plan:

 

Hearing aids come in many styles — from behind-the-ear (BTE) devices to in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and completely-in-canal (CIC) models.

In Summary

• Use a Medicare Advantage plan if you want hearing aids covered — Original Medicare won’t pay for them. 

• Most plans require using specific network providers for hearing aids. 

• Major carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna have hearing benefits, but the details and networks vary by plan. 

• Always confirm network participation before you make an appointment or buy devices, because going outside the network can mean full cost to you.

​

Where to shop

​

TruHearing - Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, & UnitedHealthcare.

TruHearing does not provide a public, searchable list of its provider network.

To find an in-network provider, you must contact TruHearing directly at 1-800-334-1807. 

​

Their specialists will verify your insurance benefits and schedule an appointment with a local provider on your behalf. 

Key Provider Network Details

• Coverage: The network includes over 7,000 provider locations nationwide, consisting of audiologists and hearing instrument specialists.

• Insurance Partners: TruHearing manages benefits for major plans, including Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare.

• Service Requirements: To access discounted pricing or insurance copays, you must see a provider within the TruHearing network; out-of-network services are generally not covered.

• Standard Services: Network providers typically offer a comprehensive hearing exam and three follow-up visits for fitting and adjustments within the first year. 

  Bynder +6

Available Hearing Aid Brands

In-network providers offer a range of technology levels from major manufacturers: 

Hearing Tracker +4

• Signia (WSA brand)

• Phonak (Sonova brand)

• Oticon (Demant brand)

• Starkey

• ReSound (GN Hearing)

• Widex (WSA brand)

• TruHearing (Private label manufactured by Signia) 

​

UnitedHealthcare specific 

• Prescription Hearing Aids: Members can choose from top brands including Phonak, Starkey, Signia, Resound, Widex, and Unitron.

• Private Label: UHC offers its own brand called Relate®, which often provides high-quality technology at a lower price point.

• Over-the-Counter (OTC): For mild-to-moderate hearing loss, UHC offers OTC brands such as Jabra Enhance, Lexie Hearing, and Sony through their online store. 

​

How to Use Your Benefits

1. Schedule an Exam: Book a routine hearing exam with an in-network provider. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer this exam with a $0 copay. 1-855-523-9355

2. Professional Evaluation: The provider will perform a hearing test and recommend devices based on your results.

3. Ordering: Once you select a device, the provider submits the recommendation to UHC, who handles the billing and insurance claims.

4. Fitting: Your provider will fit the new devices and provide follow-up care. 

• Do you have your Member ID card ready to check if your specific plan includes a hearing aid allowance or fixed copays?