Hearing aid coverage and laws in California

California at a glance

Does California Medicaid cover hearing aids?

California Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. $1,510 yearly cap, can be exceeded with prior authorization. ^[1]

The official source sets hearing aid rules without an age limit rather than naming adults outright.

Children and young adults under 21 are a different case. Medicaid's EPSDT benefit requires states to cover the care they need, which includes hearing aids. ^[8]

If you get Medicaid through a managed care plan, ask the plan how hearing aid approvals work and which providers it uses. Our state-by-state Medicaid guide explains how the benefit usually works.

Does California require insurance to cover hearing aids?

California has no law requiring private health plans to cover hearing aids. ^[2][3]

State mandates only reach fully insured plans, the kind bought from an insurance company. Self-funded employer plans follow federal ERISA law instead, so a state mandate may not apply to your job's plan. ^[10] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

California hearing aid trial period and return rights

If your hearing aids don't fit your needs, you can return them within 45 days of delivery. The seller must adjust or replace them, or refund everything you paid, with no fees. ^[4]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[11] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[12] Whatever the law, put the trial length, fees and warranty on the purchase agreement.

Over-the-counter hearing aids follow federal rules: the maker must print its return policy on the package, or say it has none. ^[13]

Free amplified and captioned phones in California

California Connect. Free amplified and captioned phones and devices for California residents with phone service and a certified hearing, vision, speech, mobility or cognitive disability. No age or income limits. ^[5]

These programs are separate from hearing aid coverage. They can help even if you already wear hearing aids.

Who licenses hearing care providers in California

• Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board: audiologists and hearing aid dispensers ^[6]

Use the board to check that a provider's license is current, or to file a complaint about a sale or a refund.

California hearing aid programs

• Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Program (HACCP). Pays for hearing aids for California children under 21 with household income under 600% of the poverty level who are not eligible for Medi-Cal. ^[7]

Other ways to pay for hearing aids in California

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[14] Some Medicare Advantage plans add a hearing benefit, usually through a network. See Medicare and hearing aids and how Medicare Advantage hearing networks work.
• VA. Eligible veterans can get hearing aids through VA health care. ^[15] See hearing aids through the VA.
• Lower-cost options. OTC hearing aids, warehouse clubs, nonprofit programs and university clinics. See free and low-cost hearing aids and what hearing aids cost.
• Estimate your cost. The hearing aid cost estimator combines these California rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in California

The directory lists 1,245 hearing care providers in California, with 1,033 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, California has 3.0 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #50 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Torrance, Long Beach, Fresno, Orange, Bakersfield. Or browse every California hearing clinic.