What Original Medicare covers
Medicare.gov is direct: "Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids." You pay all costs for those.
Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor or other provider orders them to find out whether you need medical treatment. You can also see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order for non-acute hearing conditions, and for diagnostic services related to hearing loss treated with surgically implanted hearing devices.
For covered exams, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), plus a hospital copayment if the exam is in a hospital outpatient setting.
Ways Oregonians pay for hearing aids
| Option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Oregon Health Plan | For people with Medicare and OHP: OHA lists hearing aids, batteries, fitting and repair as OHP benefits |
| Medicare Advantage plan | Some plans offer a hearing benefit; check the plan's documents |
| Over-the-counter hearing aids | Sold without a prescription to adults with perceived mild to moderate loss; you pay the full price |
| Veterans' benefits | Eligible veterans may get hearing care through the VA; see veterans and Medicare |
Hearing aids through OHP
Most OHP members with Medicare have OHP with Limited Drug, which covers the same services as OHP Plus except Part D drugs. OHA's list of OHP medical benefits includes "hearing aids and related batteries, dispensing, fitting and repair." If your CCO manages your benefits, start with your CCO; otherwise call OHP Client Services at 1-800-273-0557 (TTY 711). See Medicare and OHP together.
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. Plan choices vary by county in Oregon; see your county. You can request a call from a licensed insurance agent, or see plans for your ZIP code.
Related questions
Does Medicare cover vision in Oregon?
Eye exams and glasses.
Does Medicare cover dental in Oregon?
And OHP adult dental.
Does OHP pay my Medicare premiums?
Help with Medicare costs.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Hearing aids
- Medicare.gov — Hearing and balance exams
- Oregon Health Authority — OHP medical benefits
- Oregon Health Authority — OHP and Medicare
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — OTC hearing aids: what you should know
More questions in this guide
- Does Medicare cover acupuncture in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover ambulance service in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover annual physicals in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover assisted living in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover bone density tests in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover cataract surgery in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover chiropractic care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover CPAP machines in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover dental care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover diabetic supplies in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover flu shots in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover home health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare pay for in-home caregivers in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mammograms in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover me when I travel or spend winters outside Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover medical marijuana in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover memory care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover mental health care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover naturopathic doctors in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover nursing home care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover oxygen therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover physical therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover prostate cancer screening in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover psilocybin therapy in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover skilled nursing care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover the shingles vaccine in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover transportation to medical appointments in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover vision care in Oregon?
- Does Medicare cover wheelchairs in Oregon?
Part of the guide: Learn Medicare — the Oregon starter guide · All questions
Frequently asked questions
Does Medigap pay for hearing aids?
No. Medigap helps pay costs for services Original Medicare covers, and Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids.
Can I see an audiologist without a referral?
Yes, once every 12 months for non-acute hearing conditions, Medicare.gov says. Other diagnostic hearing and balance exams need an order from your doctor or other provider.
What does OHP cover for hearing?
OHA lists hearing aids and related batteries, dispensing, fitting and repair among OHP medical benefits. If you have both Medicare and OHP, ask your CCO or OHP Client Services (1-800-273-0557) how to get them.
Are over-the-counter hearing aids an option?
Yes, for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The FDA allows them to be sold without a prescription or fitting. Medicare doesn't pay for them.
Medicare in your Oregon county
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