Hearing aid coverage and laws in Connecticut

Connecticut at a glance

Does Connecticut Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Connecticut Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Listed as a basic benefit for all HUSKY Health members. ^[1]

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. ^[7]

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 Connecticut require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Connecticut requires state-regulated health plans to cover hearing aids for adults. Who's covered: all ages. One hearing aid per ear every 24 months. ^[2]

The rule applies to plans issued or renewed from 2020. Your benefit starts when your plan renews.

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. ^[9] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

Connecticut hearing aid trial period and return rights

You get 30 days after you receive hearing aids to return them for your money back or a free adjustment. The seller can keep a cancellation fee of up to 12% of the price. ^[3]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[10] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[11] 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. ^[12]

Free amplified and captioned phones in Connecticut

Connecticut Equipment Distribution Program. Gives free phones and devices to full-time Connecticut residents, age 5 and up, who are deaf, hard of hearing, DeafBlind or have trouble speaking. First-time applicants only. ^[4]

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

Who licenses hearing care providers in Connecticut

• Connecticut Department of Public Health, Audiologist Licensure: audiologists ^[5]
• Connecticut Department of Public Health, Hearing Instrument Specialist Licensure: 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.

Other ways to pay for hearing aids in Connecticut

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[13] 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. ^[14] 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 Connecticut rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Connecticut

The directory lists 162 hearing care providers in Connecticut, with 145 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Connecticut has 4.4 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #28 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Hamden, West Hartford, New Haven, Waterford, Wethersfield, Groton, Middletown, Southbury, Torrington, Wallingford. Or browse every Connecticut hearing clinic.