Hearing aid coverage and laws in New Mexico

New Mexico at a glance

Does New Mexico Medicaid cover hearing aids?

New Mexico Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Two aids only if in school, working or looking for work. ^[1]

The official source sets hearing aid rules without an age limit rather than naming adults outright.

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. ^[6]

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 New Mexico require insurance to cover hearing aids?

New Mexico requires state-regulated health plans to cover hearing aids for children only. Who's covered: under 18, or under 21 if in high school. $2,200 per aid 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. ^[8] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

New Mexico hearing aid trial period and return rights

You get at least 45 days to try hearing aids. On return, you get a refund within 30 days, minus a trial fee agreed to in your contract. Days the aid is with the seller or maker don't count. ^[3]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[9] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[10] 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. ^[11]

Free amplified and captioned phones in New Mexico

New Mexico Telecommunications Equipment Distribution Program (TEDP). New Mexico residents with a documented hearing or speech loss and household income of $50,000 or less can borrow amplified phones, iPads and other devices at no cost. ^[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 New Mexico

• New Mexico Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board: audiologists and hearing aid dispensers ^[5]

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 New Mexico

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[12] 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. ^[13] 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 New Mexico rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in New Mexico

The directory lists 93 hearing care providers in New Mexico, with 79 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, New Mexico has 3.7 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #43 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, Farmington, Clovis, Gallup, Hobbs, Rio Rancho. Or browse every New Mexico hearing clinic.