The federal government and Social Security have just issued a joint statement on Medicare for hearing aids in 2024. This was one of the hot topics over the past year, and it seems that the omens have been confirmed. In fact, they have decided to take exceptional action (both because of the COLA adjustment and because of inflation itself), and now they are going to benefit you more than ever.
Social Security pronounces on the Medicare for hearing aids in 2024
Starting in 2023, Medicare will begin providing some coverage for hearing aids for the first time. This new benefit is part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed in 2022. Under this new coverage, Medicare Part B will pay up to $1,000 every year for hearing aid purchases.
This benefit will be available to anyone with Original Medicare. You can use this coverage to buy one or two hearing aids per year from participating providers. To get this new Medicare hearing aid benefit, you’ll need to see a doctor or other provider first to get a hearing exam or hearing health assessment.
They will determine if you need hearing aids. With this new coverage in 2023, you will still have out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids. Medicare will only cover up to $1,000 per year, which likely won’t cover the full cost. You’ll need to pay the remaining amount yourself.
The benefit is intended to make hearing aids more affordable and accessible. While it’s limited, this new Medicare hearing aid coverage is a big step towards making hearing health care available to millions of older adults. 2023 will bring partial coverage, with even more expansive benefits in 2024 and beyond.
Full covegare starting 2024? This is what has been confirmed by not
Starting in 2024, Medicare Part B will fully cover hearing aids for all beneficiaries. This will provide comprehensive coverage with no out-of-pocket costs, unlike the limited benefits starting in 2023. All Medicare recipients will be eligible for coverage of hearing aids once per ear every 5 years.
Both air-conduction and bone-conduction hearing aids will be included, opening up more advanced options like cochlear implants. Fitting and examinations from an audiologist will also be covered with no copay. This universal coverage aims to make hearing aids affordable and accessible for millions of seniors.
Cost has been a major barrier to obtaining these essential devices. Now all Medicare beneficiaries will have the option to get free hearing aids fitted to their individual needs. With full coverage on the horizon, it’s wise to get a hearing test this year.
That way you’ll know if you could benefit from new hearing aids in 2024. Audiologists recommend replacing hearing aids every 5 years as technology improves. When the coverage kicks in, you’ll be ready to take advantage, since 2024 will be a milestone year for hearing healthcare.
There are also states programs for hearing aids: don´t forget them
A number of states offer programs that help pay for hearing aids for residents who qualify. These programs can provide significant savings on hearing aids and related services. Some states like New York and Illinois have hearing aid assistance programs that provide free hearing aids for seniors and those with low incomes.
Other states offer financial assistance for hearing aids based on a sliding scale tied to income level. For example, the Maryland Hearing Aid Loan Bank provides no-interest loans to Maryland residents to purchase hearing aids, with repayment amounts determined by the applicant’s monthly income.
As you have seen, Medicare for hearing aids in 2024 is confirmed and guaranteed, even if it is not part of every state’s legislative program. In any case, it is one of the aids that now become federally shielded (although the Senate could overturn it at any time). For the time being, there is no news that this will be the case, but we will inform you if there is any change.
