Hearing aid coverage and laws in West Virginia

West Virginia at a glance

Does West Virginia Medicaid cover hearing aids?

West 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. ^[8]

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 West Virginia require insurance to cover hearing aids?

West Virginia 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. ^[10] Ask HR whether your plan is fully insured or self-funded. More in our private insurance guide.

West Virginia hearing aid trial period and return rights

You get 30 days from receipt to return hearing aids from a licensed dealer if you're not satisfied. The dealer can keep up to $125 per aid. If the dealer adjusts them during the trial, you get 30 more days. ^[4]

Consumer Reports says most states require at least a 30-day trial for prescription hearing aids. ^[11] NIDCD notes that most makers allow 30 to 60 days and suggests asking which fees aren't refundable. ^[12] 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. ^[13]

Free amplified and captioned phones in West Virginia

Telephonic Communication Device Loan Program (TCDLP). Loans amplified and captioned phones to West Virginia residents who are deaf or hard of hearing and have household income at or below 200% of the poverty level. ^[5]

These programs are separate from hearing aid coverage. They can help even if you already wear hearing aids.

Who licenses hearing care providers in West Virginia

• West Virginia Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology: audiologists and 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.

West Virginia hearing aid programs

• West Virginia Children's Hearing Services Project. Pays for hearing aids and supplies for children from birth to 18 who have no insurance coverage for hearing aids. Children on Medicaid or CHIP don't qualify. ^[7]

Other ways to pay for hearing aids in West Virginia

• Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for hearing aids. ^[14] 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. ^[15] 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 West Virginia rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in West Virginia

The directory lists 115 hearing care providers in West Virginia, with 87 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, West Virginia has 4.5 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #27 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Morgantown, Huntington, Charleston, Bridgeport, Martinsburg, Parkersburg, Beckley, Elkins, Princeton, Fairmont. Or browse every West Virginia hearing clinic.