Will My Insurance Pay for Hearing Aids?

Sometimes, insurance will pay for all or part of your hearing aids.

• Private Group Insurance. Hearing aids are covered under some private group insurance plans in Washington State effective January 1, 2024.
  
  In 2023, HLAA-WA and other hearing advocates championed the passage of House Bill 1222, which expanded hearing aid coverage to many children and adults in our state. The law applies to companies and groups that actually buy insurance plans rather than self-funding their coverage.
  
  Briefly, HB 1222 covers state employees covered under the Public Employees Benefits Board, school employees, higher education employees, and employees of large (50+ employees) companies who aren’t self-insured. Self-insured entities and companies, such as many city and county governments, don’t buy insurance plans but instead cover the cost of treatment directly. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) allows employers to self-fund their health plans, and these ERISA plans are not subject to state insurance mandates.
  
  For a helpful, detailed discussion, read HLAA-WA Legislative Liaison Diana Thompson’s article for the Bellevue Network on Aging (scroll down to page 6). You can also read Becky Montgomery’s analysis and the replies to questions on our blog post.
  
  Some smaller companies may also provide a hearing aid benefit. Be sure to ask your insurance company, employer, or audiologist about your hearing aid coverage.

• Federal Employee Health Benefits. Hearing aids may be covered for federal employees.

• Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C). While Medicare itself does not currently cover hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage Plans in Washington State do provide at least some coverage. Medicare does pay for cochlear implants for some people. HLAA is actively working with Congress to pass national legislation that will include hearing health and hearing aids under Medicare.
  
  For help finding a Medicare Advantage plan that works for you, talk with a SHIBA representative. These SHIBA volunteers are available at no cost to you. You can call them directly at 800-562-6900, or find a location close to you here.

• Apple Health (Washington State Medicaid). Hearing aids are covered for children and adults under Medicaid in our state. Coverage is generally $3,000 per ear every five years, and some enrollees can qualify for a second aid. Cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids are covered for people age 20 and under. Som exclusions or limitations may apply. The Washington State Healthcare Authority has more information.
  
  In 2018, HLAA-WA led the advocacy effort to restore this Medicaid coverage. Dozens of senior and disability advocacy groups joined us and share in this victory.

• Individual Health Plans (Obamacare or ACA plans.) On January 1, 2026, new coverage requirements start for most individual, non-grandfathered insurance plans offered on the Washington State HealthPlan Finder. Why? Senate Bill 5338, passed with our help in 2023, ensured the inclusion of hearing aids on Washington State’s Essential Health Benefits. Check our blog regularly for more details.