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Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government. It is designed to cover adults aged 65 and older, and those of any age suffering from certain disabilities. (Ref. 2.) It is often difficult to decipher Medicare policy, especially as it pertains to the coverage of hearing aids.
Hearing Aids
Medicare does not cover hearing aid devices themselves (unless otherwise noted in Exceptions). (Ref. 1.)
Prescribing
Medicare does not cover examinations to receive a prescription for a hearing aid. (Ref. 1.)
Fitting
Medicare will not cover examinations to have a hearing aid fitted. (Ref. 1.)
Changing
Medicare does not cover visits to a physician in order to have a hearing aid changed. (Ref. 1.)
Exceptions
Medicare will cover the cost of Cochlear implants, auditory brainstem implants and, in certain circumstances, osseointegrated implants. (Ref. 1.)
Interesting Fact
More than four million Americans aged 65 and older suffer from hearing loss. This accounts for about 43 percent of all Americans affected by hearing loss. (Ref. 3.)
Source:
Medicare Lacks Coverage for Hearing Aids
Hearing Loss - A growing problem that affects quality of life
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