Hearing aid coverage and laws in Virginia

Virginia at a glance

Does Virginia Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Virginia Medicaid covers hearing aids for children, not adults. Under 21 only. ^[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 Virginia require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Virginia's insurance rule for hearing aids is unclear right now. Who's covered: children 18 and under (2023 law). A 2023 law required coverage for children 18 and under from 2024, but the current code shows an amended version with different terms. Check with the Virginia Bureau of Insurance. ^[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.

Virginia hearing aid trial period and return rights

You can return prescription hearing aids for any reason within 30 days of delivery for a replacement or refund. The seller can keep a reasonable charge for evaluation services. ^[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 Virginia

Technology Assistance Program (TAP). Amplified and captioned phones, signalers and more for Virginians who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled. Household income counts. Veterans qualify 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 Virginia

• Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology: audiologists ^[5]
• Virginia Board for Hearing Aid Specialists and Opticians: 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 Virginia

• 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 Virginia rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Virginia

The directory lists 380 hearing care providers in Virginia, with 328 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Virginia has 4.4 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #30 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Richmond, Virginia Beach, Alexandria, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Roanoke, Falls Church, Harrisonburg, Winchester, Newport News. Or browse every Virginia hearing clinic.