Hearing aid coverage and laws in Washington

Washington at a glance

Does Washington Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Washington Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. One aid every 5 years; loss of 45 dB or more; second aid with prior authorization. ^[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. ^[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 Washington require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Washington requires state-regulated health plans to cover hearing aids for adults. Who's covered: all ages. One hearing aid per ear every 36 months, no annual or lifetime dollar limit for plans issued or renewed from Jan. 1, 2026. ^[2]

The rule applies to plans issued or renewed from 2024 (large group); 2026 (all plans). Your benefit starts when your plan renews.

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.

Washington hearing aid trial period and return rights

You can cancel within 30 days of delivery for a valid reason, like aids that don't match what was promised, but not a change of mind. The seller can keep $150 or 15% per aid, whichever is less, plus earmolds. ^[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 Washington

Telecommunication Equipment Distribution (TED). Amplified and captioned phones and signalers for Washington residents 4 and up who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind or speech disabled. Cost depends on income, and many pay nothing. ^[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 Washington

• Washington Board of Hearing and Speech: 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 Washington

• 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 Washington rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Washington

The directory lists 338 hearing care providers in Washington, with 385 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Washington has 4.8 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #22 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Seattle, Vancouver, Tacoma, Spokane, Everett, Bellingham, Bellevue, Olympia, Edmonds, Issaquah. Or browse every Washington hearing clinic.