...apparently you didn't know that, "Depending on the sophistication of the device and where you get fitted, expect to pay $1,000 to $6,000 for a pair of custom-fitted hearing aids. Medicare and most private insurers don't cover hearing aids, but check your health plan. Veterans may be eligible to get free hearing aids at their local Veterans Affairs facility." This is NOT a change but has almost always been this way - more bitter whine from mis-informed republicans...