Hearing aid coverage and laws in Idaho

Idaho at a glance

Does Idaho Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Idaho Medicaid covers hearing aids for children, not adults. Under 21 only; adults get diagnostic testing. ^[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. ^[5]

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 Idaho require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Idaho requires state-regulated health plans to cover hearing aids for children only. Who's covered: dependent children, individual plans only. One device per ear every 36 months. ^[2]

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. ^[7] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

Idaho hearing aid trial period and return rights

You get 30 days to cancel and return hearing aids, counted from signing or delivery, whichever is later. The seller must refund at least 75% of what you paid. This covers audiologists and hearing aid dealers. ^[3]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[8] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[9] 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. ^[10]

Who licenses hearing care providers in Idaho

• Idaho Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board: audiologists and hearing aid dispensers ^[4]

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 Idaho

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[11] 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. ^[12] 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 Idaho rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Idaho

The directory lists 109 hearing care providers in Idaho, with 77 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Idaho has 4.1 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #34 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Boise, Meridian, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Coeur D Alene, Fruitland, Lewiston, Nampa, Burley. Or browse every Idaho hearing clinic.