Hearing aid coverage and laws in Iowa

Iowa at a glance

Does Iowa Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Iowa Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Prior approval for aids over $650 or replacement within 4 years. ^[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. ^[9]

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 Iowa require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Iowa 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. ^[11] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

Iowa hearing aid trial period and return rights

We found no Iowa law requiring a hearing aid trial period, so get the return terms in writing. ^[4]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[12] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[13] 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. ^[14]

Free amplified and captioned phones in Iowa

Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI). Vouchers that cover 95% to 99% of the average cost of phone equipment for Iowans who are Deaf, hard of hearing or have speech difficulties. ^[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 Iowa

• Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing): audiologists ^[6]
• Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (Hearing Aid Specialists): hearing aid dispensers ^[7]

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

Iowa hearing aid programs

• Iowa HHS Hearing Aids and Audiological Services Program. Pays for hearing aids and hearing services for Iowa children under 21 who can't get them through Medicaid or Hawki. Funding is limited and first come, first served. ^[8]

Other ways to pay for hearing aids in Iowa

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[15] 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. ^[16] 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 Iowa rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Iowa

The directory lists 186 hearing care providers in Iowa, with 148 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Iowa has 3.8 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #40 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Davenport, Waterloo, West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Ames, Des Moines, Sioux City, Ankeny, Cedar Falls. Or browse every Iowa hearing clinic.