Hearing is one of our 5 main senses. So, for most people, the idea of losing our hearing is a scary thought. But hearing loss is a common problem and, no surprise, it affects more people as we get older.

Hearing loss can also have a big impact on quality of life. Older people who can’t hear well may withdraw from others because they feel frustrated or embarrassed about not being able to hear conversations. That, in turn, can lead to more serious problems like loneliness and depression.

Hearing aids are most useful for people who have hearing loss that results from disease, aging, or injury from noise or certain medicines. Hearing aids make sounds louder so that users can hear better than without them. Hearing aids usually have different settings that can be changed to fit different environments. One setting may work best in a small, quiet room. A different setting may work better in a crowded restaurant or a large, open area like a theater or stadium. 

Neither routine hearing exams nor hearing aids are covered by Original Medicare. That often comes as a surprise to people when they first qualify for Medicare. What’s not a surprise is that the price of hearing aids can be expensive. The good news is that many Medicare Advantage plans offer routine hearing coverage. And if you qualify for both Medicaid as well as Medicare, you may be able to get a dual-eligible health plan. Dual health plans may include help to pay for hearing aids, hearing devices and hearing aid accessories.

Dual-eligible health plans (also called Dual Special Needs Plans or D-SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan for people who have Medicaid and Medicare. These plans typically include many extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Dental coverage, routine vision care and routine hearing coverage are just a few examples. Better yet, most UnitedHealthcare dual health plans also give you an allowance to help pay for hearing aids.

The allowance is a way to help pay for hearing aids at little or no cost to you. Most UnitedHealthcare dual health plans give you an allowance for hearing aids, starting at $1,100* You can use this allowance for a broad selection of brand-name hearing aids. That may also include UnitedHealthcare Hearing’s state-of-the-art brand, Relate™.

With a dual health plan from UnitedHealthcare, you’ll get personal help every step of the way, from arranging a hearing exam to finding the right hearing aid for your needs and budget. For ultimate convenience, you may be able to get a hearing exam online and have your hearing aid delivered directly to you.*

*Benefits, features, and/or devices vary by plan/area. Limitations and exclusions may apply.