Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in Texas?

Does Medicare cover hearing aids under Parts A and B?

No. Medicare.gov says Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them, and that you pay the full cost of those services under Original Medicare. The rule is national, so it works the same way in McAllen as it does anywhere else.

Part B does cover some hearing care. Diagnostic hearing and balance exams are covered when your doctor or other health care provider orders them. You generally pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after your deductible. Those exams are meant to find out whether you need medical treatment. Mid Valley Hearing Technologies is not a Medicare provider, so your doctor's office can tell you where to go if you need one of those exams.

How to tell which kind of Medicare you have

Your plan cards can help you sort this out. Your red, white and blue Medicare card shows that you have Medicare. A second card from an insurance company could mean a few different things, so it helps to read what it says.

• Medicare Advantage (Part C). Medicare.gov says people in these plans use the plan's card to get services. The card usually shows the plan's name. This is the type of coverage most likely to include a hearing benefit.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap). This card comes from an insurance company too, but it works alongside Original Medicare. Medicare.gov says Medigap policies generally do not cover hearing aids.
• A drug plan (Part D). This card is for prescriptions only.

What to look for in a Medicare Advantage hearing benefit

Hearing benefits vary from plan to plan and can change each year. Look for "Hearing" in your Summary of Benefits, and check three things: whether a routine exam and fitting are included, what you pay per hearing aid, and which company you must use.

Many plans run their hearing benefit through a separate network, and you can use the benefit only with a provider in that network. Mid Valley Hearing Technologies is contracted with TruHearing, UnitedHealthcare Hearing, Start Hearing and NationsHearing. Plans from UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Prominence Health Plan commonly use these networks. Your plan documents will name yours, and our page on how hearing benefit networks work explains the rest.

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. It is your chance to join or switch Medicare Advantage plans, so it is a good time to compare hearing benefits if they matter to you. Texans can also get counseling on their options from the state's Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program.

Other programs that may help in Texas

Veterans. If VA recommends and fits hearing aids for you, the VA says the aids, repairs and future batteries are at no charge for as long as you stay eligible for care. Start by enrolling at a VA medical center or clinic. We are not a VA provider, so these benefits go through VA directly.

Texas Medicaid. The state's STAR+PLUS program, which serves many older adults and adults with disabilities, lists audiology services and hearing aids among its covered services. Limits vary, so call the number on your plan card. We are not a Medicaid provider, and your plan can point you to one that is.

What to do next

The answer to "does Medicare cover hearing aids" may be no for your plan, and you still have choices. Our guide to hearing aid cost in the Rio Grande Valley covers national prices, financing and your 30-day trial rights in Texas.

If you are not sure what your plan includes, bring your card to Mid Valley Hearing Technologies at 3711 N 10th St Suite 111 in McAllen, or call (956) 576-3593. We can check it with you before you spend anything, and there is no charge to check. Se habla español.