Does Aetna Cover Hearing Aids?
Aetna covers hearing aids as a part of some of its Medicare Advantage plans, in cases where a hearing aid is deemed medically necessary. Hearing aids can be expensive, and not all Medicare plans include them so having a policy that includes hearing care can be invaluable for many older adults. Below, we provide an overview of the best hearing aids and explain how Aetna may offer coverage for the devices.
Overview of the Top Recommended Hearing Aids
Overview of the Top Recommended Hearing Aids | ||
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Best Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aid
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Hear.com
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best for Comfortable In-Ear Hearing Aids
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Eargo
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best for Affordable Hearing Aids
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Jabra Enhance (formerly Lively)
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best Low-Cost Bluetooth Hearing Aid
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Audicus
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best Rewards Program
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Lexie
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best Mobile App
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ReSound
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best Invisible Hearing Aid
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Phonak
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best for High-End Design
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Signia
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best for Artificial Intelligence Features
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Widex
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Best for Assistive Technology
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Starkey
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See Packages → Read Our Review → |
Aetna Covers Hearing Aids for Those Diagnosed with Hearing Loss
Aetna offers hearing care services for some of its Medicare members. These services are delivered by Hearing Care Solutions. As a part of its hearing care cover, individuals may receive help with the cost of hearing exams, the purchase of hearing aids and any fitting costs.
To qualify for help with hearing aids, members must have a confirmed diagnosis of hearing loss. The type of hearing aid covered depends on the severity of the hearing loss.
For example, Aetna considers air conduction hearing aids to be necessary if:
- The user’s hearing thresholds are 40dB HL or greater at 500, 1000, 200, 3000 or 4000 Hz
- Hearing thresholds are 26 dB HL or greater at three of the above frequencies
- The user has speech recognition levels below 94%
Implantable or semi-implantable hearing aids may be offered for those with moderate or severe hearing loss. Over-the-counter products such as the Bose Hearing Aid are covered on some plans if the device has been prescribed by a physician.
Aetna’s Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover Hearing Aids
Aetna offers several plans that fall under the Medicare Advantage umbrella. These plans offer the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and B), as well as supplementary benefits which may include hearing, vision and dental care.
Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans are:
- HMO
- HMO-POS
- Dual Eligible SNPs
- PPO
If you’re not sure what is included in your plan, contact the provider to confirm before ordering a hearing aid, hearing test, or other related products.
Aetna Can Provide Reimbursement For Out-Of-Network Hearing Aid Providers
Medicare Advantage plans usually offer total coverage for routine hearing tests and hearing aid fitting. Some plans also cover the cost of purchasing a new hearing aid from an in-network provider.
If you’d prefer to work with an out-of-network provider, check whether your plan offers Direct Member Reimbursement (DMR). Some Aetna plans include an annual allowance that members may spend on sharing care with any licensed provider in the United States that accepts Medicare Beneficiaries.
If your plan includes DMR, you will be responsible for paying the out-of-network provider. After paying for the hearing services, you can submit a receipt to Aetna who will reimburse you for those expenses. This gives you the freedom to choose the brands you prefer or providers you trust, even if they’re outside of the Aetna network.
Hearing Aid Brand Reviews
- Audicus Hearing Aid Review
- Eargo Hearing Aid Review
- Embrace Hearing’s Hearing Aid Review
- LifeEar’s Hearing Aid Review
- MDHearingAid’s Hearing Aid Review
- Phonak Hearing Aid Review
- ReSound GN Hearing Aid Review
- Signia Hearing Aid Review
- Starkey Hearing Technologies Review
- Widex Hearing Aid Review
- Jabra Hearing Aid Review
- Lexie Hearing Aid Review
- Hear.com Hearing Aid Review