Hearing aid coverage and laws in Missouri

Missouri at a glance

Does Missouri Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Missouri Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Adults in listed eligibility groups, from Aug. 28, 2025. ^[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 Missouri require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Missouri requires state-regulated health plans to cover hearing aids for children only. Who's covered: under 18. At least what the state's Medicaid program covers for children. ^[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. ^[9] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

Missouri hearing aid trial period and return rights

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

Missouri Telecommunication Access Program (TAP). Amplified phones and other equipment for Missouri residents who can't use a standard phone due to a disability. Household income must be under $60,000, higher for larger households. ^[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 Missouri

• Missouri Advisory Commission for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists: audiologists ^[5]
• Missouri Board of Examiners for Hearing Instrument Specialists: 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 Missouri

• 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 Missouri rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Missouri

The directory lists 353 hearing care providers in Missouri, with 263 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Missouri has 5.8 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #8 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Saint Louis, Springfield, Kansas City, Lees Summit, Saint Joseph, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Chesterfield, Columbia. Or browse every Missouri hearing clinic.