Hearing aid coverage and laws in Michigan

Michigan at a glance

Does Michigan Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Michigan Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Loss of 30 dB or more plus daily-life limits; one or two aids every 5 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. ^[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 Michigan require insurance to cover hearing aids?

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

Michigan hearing aid trial period and return rights

We found no Michigan 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. ^[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]

Who licenses hearing care providers in Michigan

• Michigan Board of Audiology (Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs): audiologists ^[5]
• Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Hearing Aid Dealers: 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 Michigan

• 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 Michigan rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Michigan

The directory lists 502 hearing care providers in Michigan, with 453 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Michigan has 4.2 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #33 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Grand Rapids, Detroit, Jackson, Lansing, Saginaw, Ann Arbor, Troy, Warren, Farmington Hills, Holland. Or browse every Michigan hearing clinic.