Hearing aid coverage and laws in Wisconsin

Wisconsin at a glance

Does Wisconsin Medicaid cover hearing aids?

Wisconsin Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults who meet its rules. Prior authorization for purchase or rental. ^[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 Wisconsin require insurance to cover hearing aids?

Wisconsin requires state-regulated health plans to cover hearing aids for children only. Who's covered: under 18. One hearing aid per ear every 3 years, plus cochlear implants. ^[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.

Wisconsin hearing aid trial period and return rights

We found no Wisconsin 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. ^[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 Wisconsin

Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Program (TEPP). Vouchers that help people with disabilities buy the phone equipment they need. Hard-of-hearing vouchers have no $100 co-payment. ^[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 Wisconsin

• Wisconsin Hearing and Speech Examining 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 Wisconsin

• 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 Wisconsin rules with typical prices.

Find hearing care in Wisconsin

The directory lists 307 hearing care providers in Wisconsin, with 241 audiologists registered at those addresses. By our count of the federal registry, Wisconsin has 5.1 audiologists per 100,000 residents, which ranks #16 of 51.

Cities with the most listings: Madison, Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Appleton, Green Bay, Brookfield, Fond Du Lac, Greenfield, Hudson, Manitowoc. Or browse every Wisconsin hearing clinic.