Hearing aid laws and coverage by state

Medicaid: adults are where states differ

Every state covers hearing aids for children and young adults under 21 through Medicaid's EPSDT benefit. ^[5] Adult coverage is optional, so each state decides. "Covers adults" means the state pays for hearing aids for adults who meet its hearing-loss and approval rules. "Some adults" usually means only people in certain waiver programs. Full rules and limits are in our Medicaid guide.

Insurance mandates: check what kind of plan you have

A mandate means state law requires certain health plans to cover hearing aids, often with a dollar cap or a replacement cycle. It only reaches fully insured plans. Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA law instead. ^[4] Ask HR which kind you have. Details and dollar limits are in our private insurance guide.

Trial periods: your right to return hearing aids

Many states require sellers of prescription hearing aids to offer a trial period with a refund, minus allowed fees. Consumer Reports says most states require at least 30 days. ^[1] Makers commonly allow 30 to 60 days, and NIDCD suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[2]"No state rule found" means we checked the state's licensing law and found no trial requirement. "Not verified" means we couldn't confirm either way.

Over-the-counter hearing aids aren't covered by these state rules in the same way. The FDA requires OTC makers to print their return policy on the package, or say they have none. ^[3]

What the table leaves out

• Medicare works the same in every state: Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[6] Medicare Advantage benefits depend on the plan. See how Medicare Advantage hearing networks work.
• VA hearing aids are a federal benefit for eligible veterans. ^[7] See hearing aids through the VA.
• Low-cost options like OTC aids and nonprofit programs. See free and low-cost hearing aids.

Want a number? The hearing aid cost estimator combines your state's rules with typical prices.

How we built this table

Medicaid and insurance rows come from the cited tables in our Medicaid and private insurance guides. Trial periods, licensing boards and phone programs were researched state by state from state statutes, administrative codes and agency sites in October 2026. Each state page lists the exact source for every rule. Laws change, so check the source before you rely on it.