My wife once told me I should see an audiologist. Perhaps I might need assistance with my hearing. She would say, “the TV is too loud.” To which I would respond, “What?” Well, I did see an audiologist and she told me my hearing was in normal range. Of course, I just smiled.
Lately I’ve been discussing things Medicare doesn’t cover like dental, vision, and prescriptions. This week, I want to address another item Medicare does not cover: hearing. Yes, you heard that correctly. Medicare doesn’t cover hearing, yet hearing loss affects more senior adults than some might think. One in three adults aged 65 and older deal with some level of hearing loss. That number increases to two out of every three for those over the age of 75. And Tinnitus affects over 50 million people in the United States. I am one of those people.
Fortunately, I have a Medicare Advantage plan that paid 100% of the cost of the audiologist. Should I have needed hearing aids, my plan would have helped cover the costs of those as well. All Medicare Advantage plans in our area offer an allowance for hearing aids, some more than others. There is one plan in central Indiana with an annual allowance of $3,000 for hearing aids.
By the way, I asked the audiologist what I might do about my Tinnitus. She told me to turn up the volume on the TV to help drown out the high pitch ringing in my ears. Score one for Bob.
Keep in mind, Original Medicare DOES NOT COVER hearing exams and does not help pay for hearing aids. As with other items not covered by Original Medicare, if it’s not covered by Medicare, it’s not covered by a supplement. However, there is an exception to this rule: cochlear implants. Cochlear implants ARE covered under Medicare Part B as durable medical equipment. Meaning that Original Medicare would pay 80% and you would be responsible for 20%. The standard cost of this device including the surgery and rehabilitation ranges from $50,000 to $100,000. Even at 20%, this cost could be quite prohibitive. If you need cochlear implants, please be aware of the following:
1. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you will certainly reach your plan’s Maximum out of Pocket. The Maximum out of Pocket is the most you would pay in any given year for your Part A and B costs. Every Advantage plan has a Maximum out of Pocket. Some plans for those who live in Florida have a Maximum out of Pocket of about $2,500. My plan here in Indiana has a Maximum out of Pocket of $3,900. Advantage plans can vary greatly, so it’s good to work with an independent agent that can help you find the one that best works for you.
2. If you qualify for guaranteed enrollment, choose a Medicare Supplement. If Original Medicare covers it, the supplement covers it. And the Plan G supplement annual deductible for 2023 is $226.
I will discuss qualifying guaranteed enrollment in a future article. But for now, work with an independent agent who can help guide you through this process. If you would like to know more, I invite you to attend one of our educational classes or arrange to visit with us here at Adams Insurance. We have 20 years of experience and can help you make the right decision.
There is a lot to know when it comes to Medicare. Whether you are new to the subject or want to brush up on your knowledge, consider joining us for a Medicare 101 course. I am Medicare Certified through the National Association of Health Underwriters, so I can offer you best in class Medicare knowledge. I hope to see you soon!
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. By contacting us via phone or emai, you are authorizing a licensed insurance agent to contact you.