Does Aetna Cover Hearing Aids?

Whether Aetna covers hearing aids depends on your specific plan type. Here is a breakdown:

• Aetna Medicare Advantage plans: Most include a hearing benefit — typically through NationsHearing — with access to discounted devices and a network of licensed audiologists.
• Aetna Medicare PPO plans: Some PPO plans include hearing aid coverage or a discount program; check your plan documents for the specific benefit.
• Aetna employer-sponsored plans: Coverage varies by employer contract. Some plans include hearing aid benefits with a per-device allowance, while others offer only discounts.
• Aetna Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Standard Medigap plans do not add hearing aid coverage beyond original Medicare.
• Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Does not cover hearing aids — Aetna Medicare Advantage plans fill this gap.

To confirm your benefits, log in to your Aetna member portal at aetna.com or call the member services number on your insurance card.

Many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans deliver hearing aid benefits through NationsHearing — a nationwide hearing benefit program that gives members access to a broad network of audiologists and a wide selection of hearing aids from leading manufacturers including Phonak, Starkey, Signia, Oticon, and ReSound, across multiple technology levels.

Through the NationsHearing program, Aetna members benefit from:

• A comprehensive hearing evaluation included in the benefit — no separate charge for the initial exam
• Choice of hearing aids across basic, standard, and premium tiers
• Three follow-up adjustment visits included at no additional cost
• Ongoing support from a licensed local audiologist

To use your NationsHearing benefit, visit nationshearing.com/aetna or call NationsHearing directly at the number on your Aetna member card. You can also use the NationsHearing provider search tool to find audiologists and hearing specialists near you, including Earpros centers that participate in the network. If you are not sure whether your hearing has changed, you can book a free hearing test at your nearest Earpros center — no commitment required.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. Aetna Medicare Advantage plans — also known as Part C — regularly include hearing coverage as an extra benefit that standard Medicare does not provide.

Aetna Medicare Advantage comes in two main types, each with a different hearing benefit structure:

• HMO plans: Require you to use in-network providers such as those in the NationsHearing or HearingCareSolutions network. The benefit is typically structured as a fixed co-pay per device across technology tiers.
• PPO plans: Offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers, though in-network visits cost significantly less. Some PPO plans include a hearing allowance or partial reimbursement for out-of-network purchases.

Depending on your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, your hearing benefit may include one or more annual hearing evaluations, a set allowance or fixed co-pay toward hearing aids, access to the NationsHearing or HearingCareSolutions network, and up to three follow-up adjustment visits.

Benefits vary by plan and ZIP code. You can compare and switch Aetna Medicare Advantage plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) for coverage starting January 1 of the following year.

For Aetna members whose plans do not include a full hearing aid benefit, Aetna may offer access to a hearing aid discount program. Through this program, members can receive reduced pricing on hearing aids and related services from participating providers — even when their plan does not cover devices outright.

How to activate the Aetna hearing aid discount program:

1. Log in to your Aetna member portal at aetna.com and navigate to "Benefits & Coverage" to check whether a hearing discount is available on your plan.
2. Call Aetna member services and ask specifically about hearing aid discount programs associated with your plan type.
3. Once confirmed, locate a participating provider — discounts are applied at the point of sale when you present your Aetna member ID.
4. Contact an Earpros center near you to check whether they participate in the Aetna discount program in your area.

Discount amounts vary by device, provider, and plan. If you are unsure about your hearing needs before committing to a purchase, you can book a free hearing test at an Earpros center first.

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are surgically implanted devices designed for individuals with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or those who cannot wear conventional hearing aids. Unlike standard hearing aids, BAHA devices conduct sound through the skull directly to the inner ear.

Aetna's coverage for bone-anchored hearing aids is governed by its clinical policy bulletins. In general, Aetna considers BAHA medically necessary for specific conditions and may cover the device and related surgery under medical benefits — separate from the standard hearing aid benefit. Approval typically requires prior authorization and documentation from an ENT specialist or audiologist.

If you or a family member may benefit from a BAHA device, contact Aetna member services and request a prior authorization review before proceeding with any surgical evaluation.

Aetna offers several Medicare PPO plan options, and hearing aid coverage varies among them. Some Aetna Medicare PPO plans include a hearing benefit with access to the NationsHearing or HearingCareSolutions network, while others provide a discount program or out-of-network reimbursement only.

Key things to check in your Aetna Medicare PPO plan documents:

• Whether a hearing aid allowance is included and the dollar amount
• Which provider network (NationsHearing or HearingCareSolutions) is associated with your plan
• Whether out-of-network providers are eligible for reimbursement and at what rate
• Whether prior authorization is required for hearing aids

Review your Evidence of Coverage or call Aetna Medicare member services to get the specifics for your PPO plan.

Costco is one of the most popular destinations for hearing aids in the U.S., offering competitive prices through its Costco Hearing Aid Centers. If you have Aetna coverage and are wondering whether you can use your benefit at Costco, the answer depends on your plan and the network.

Costco Hearing Aid Centers are not typically part of the NationsHearing or HearingCareSolutions networks. This means that if your Aetna plan delivers hearing benefits exclusively through one of these networks, purchasing at Costco would be considered out-of-network.

However, if your plan includes an out-of-network reimbursement benefit, you may be able to purchase hearing aids at Costco and submit a reimbursement claim using the Aetna hearing aid reimbursement form. Contact Aetna member services to confirm whether out-of-network reimbursement applies to your plan before making a purchase.

Cochlear implants are surgically implanted electronic devices for individuals with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss who do not benefit sufficiently from conventional hearing aids. Unlike standard hearing aids, cochlear implants may be covered under medical benefits rather than a hearing aid benefit.

Aetna generally considers cochlear implants medically necessary for qualifying candidates and may cover the device, surgery, and rehabilitation under its medical policy, subject to prior authorization. Coverage applies to both Aetna commercial plans and Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, though the exact criteria and cost-sharing vary.

If you are considering a cochlear implant, the process typically involves:

• Evaluation by an ENT specialist and audiologist
• Prior authorization request submitted to Aetna
• Approval based on Aetna's clinical criteria

Contact Aetna member services or your specialist's office to begin the authorization process.

Seniors enrolled in Aetna Medicare Advantage plans have some of the best access to hearing aid benefits available under any insurance type. Because Original Medicare excludes hearing aids, an Aetna Advantage plan — with its NationsHearing or HearingCareSolutions benefit — can be a cost-effective solution for older adults who need amplification devices.

Beyond Aetna, other insurance options for seniors include:

• Medicaid: Covers hearing aids in most U.S. states for qualifying low-income seniors
• TRICARE for Life: Covers hearing aids specifically for military retirees and their eligible dependents — not available to the general public
• Supplemental hearing insurance: Stand-alone plans for those not covered through other programs
• Dental, vision & hearing bundles: Some Aetna plans combine all three benefits in a single plan for added value

When comparing plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), pay close attention to the hearing allowance amount, eligible technology tiers, and whether follow-up visits are included. If you are not sure whether your hearing has changed, book a free hearing test at an Earpros center near you before making any plan decisions.