H.R. 1921: Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act

The Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act aims to update the coverage rules for hearing devices under Medicare. Specifically, the bill directs the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to clarify that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices are classified as prosthetics. This classification is significant because prosthetics are not excluded from coverage under Medicare, while hearing aids typically are.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Clarification Requirement: Within 60 days of the bill becoming law, the CMS Administrator must make clear that these specific hearing devices fall under the category of prosthetics.
• Definition of Prosthetic: The bill uses the regulatory definition of "prosthetic" as outlined in existing federal regulations.

Impact on Coverage

If this bill is enacted, it will allow individuals who require fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices to receive Medicare coverage for these devices. This change aims to improve accessibility for people with certain types of hearing loss who could benefit from these advanced hearing devices.

Background

Currently, Medicare excludes hearing aids from coverage, which has created financial barriers for many patients. By categorizing implanted devices as prosthetics, this bill seeks to align the coverage options with the needs of users who depend on such technology for better hearing capability.

Relevant Companies

• ATRA (Acuity Brands, Inc.) - Involved in hearing technologies that may be impacted by changes in Medicare coverage for hearing devices.
• WSO (Windstream Holdings, Inc.) - Although not directly related, advancements in telecommunications could complement hearing technologies.