Understanding Hearing Aid Insurance Coverage in Cincinnati

Understanding your insurance coverage can make hearing aids more accessible and affordable. The reality is that Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids in 2026, but there are other options worth exploring. Medicare Advantage plans typically offer $500 to $2,500 per ear in benefits, and many employer-sponsored insurance plans provide some level of coverage. If your insurance doesn't cover hearing aids, HSA and FSA accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

At Hearing Consultants, we help patients navigate their benefits and find the most affordable path forward. We accept a wide range of insurance plans, so give us a call at 513-916-3656 to verify if we accept your specific provider.

What Original Medicare Covers (and Doesn't)

For many seniors, Medicare remains the primary insurance provider, yet Original Medicare Parts A and B continue to exclude hearing aids from coverage in 2026. This exclusion extends to fitting exams as well.

The good news is that Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when medically necessary and ordered by a physician. After meeting your deductible, you'll pay 20% coinsurance for these diagnostic services.

One important exception exists for cochlear implants. Medicare Part B covers these devices for individuals with severe hearing loss who meet specific criteria, including both the device and the surgical implantation procedure.

Proposed Legislation to Watch

The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025 (H.R. 500) was introduced in Congress on January 16, 2025. This bill proposes to remove the exclusion preventing Medicare from covering hearing aids, with coverage theoretically beginning January 1, 2026. As of February 2026, this legislation remains under congressional review and has not been enacted into law. Until the bill passes both houses of Congress and is signed into law, Original Medicare beneficiaries should continue planning without this coverage.

Medicare Advantage Plans Provide Better Benefits

Residents enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) typically enjoy more comprehensive hearing benefits. Nearly all Medicare Advantage plans offered in 2026 include some level of hearing aid coverage, though benefits vary by plan, insurer, and location.

Most Medicare Advantage plans provide routine hearing exams (typically one per year), hearing aid evaluations, and fittings. The financial benefits range from $500 to $2,500 per ear, with replacements covered every three to five years depending on your plan.

Major carriers serving our area, including Aetna, Humana, and Medical Mutual of Ohio, offer varying levels of hearing aid benefits. Medical Mutual of Ohio advertises hearing aid copays as low as $499 for certain plans.

The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. There's also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 through March 31 when current members can make changes to their coverage.

Ohio Medicaid Coverage for Adults

Ohio Medicaid provides coverage for hearing exams for adult beneficiaries aged 21 and older. However, standard Ohio Medicaid does not comprehensively cover hearing aids for adults. Some diagnostic testing may require prior authorization.

Private Insurance Plans Differ Significantly

For residents with employer-sponsored or individual health insurance, hearing aid coverage varies dramatically. Most employer-sponsored group plans offer some hearing aid benefits, while individual and family plans frequently exclude hearing aids entirely.

Common benefit structures include fixed reimbursements ranging from $500 to $2,500 per device and allowances that renew every three to five years. Ohio law does limit private insurance coverage to certain levels of hearing loss severity, and prior authorization may be required before receiving benefits.

Using HSA and FSA Accounts for Hearing Care

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer tax-advantaged ways to pay for hearing care. Both account types cover hearing aids (including over-the-counter devices), batteries, repairs and maintenance, cleaning supplies, audiologist consultations, hearing tests, and fitting appointments.

For 2026, individuals can contribute up to $4,400 to an HSA, while families can contribute up to $8,750. Those aged 55 and older can make an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution. HSA funds roll over year-to-year and can be used for retirement healthcare expenses, though they require enrollment in a high-deductible health plan.

FSAs typically operate on a "use it or lose it" basis by the end of the plan year, with some plans offering limited carryover (up to $680 in 2026) or grace periods. The FSA contribution limit for 2026 is $3,400.

Both accounts provide substantial tax advantages through pre-tax contributions, tax-free growth (for HSAs), and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses like hearing aids.

Additional Support Resources

Veterans with service-related hearing loss may qualify for coverage through the Department of Veterans Affairs, which includes hearing aids and cochlear implants.

The Ohio Department of Health operates a Hearing Aid Assistance Program at (614) 466-3543 for information about state-level support options.

Schedule Your Hearing Consultation

At Hearing Consultants, we work with patients to verify insurance benefits, submit claims when applicable, and identify all available coverage options. Dr. Teague is a HearingUp Network member, personally vetted by Dr. Cliff Olson as a provider who consistently follows evidence-based hearing care. We're committed to best practices in hearing aid fittings, including Real Ear Measurements to verify proper programming. This approach ensures you receive the full benefit of your hearing aids, regardless of how you finance them.

If you're ready to explore your hearing aid options and understand your coverage, contact our office at 513-916-3656. We're located at 10766 Montgomery Road, and our office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Dr. Teague and Dr. Hoffman will conduct a comprehensive hearing evaluation, review your insurance benefits, and help you develop an action plan that fits both your hearing needs and your budget. Your journey to better hearing shouldn't be delayed by insurance confusion—let us help you navigate the process.