H.R. 2757: Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025
This bill, titled the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025, proposes amendments to the Social Security Act to enhance coverage for audiology services under the Medicare program. Here’s what the bill aims to achieve:
1. Definition of Audiology Services
The bill adds a clearer definition of "audiology services" to include:
- Hearing and balance assessment services provided until December 31, 2026.
- Diagnostic or treatment services that a qualified audiologist can legally perform starting January 1, 2027.
- These audiology services can be provided without the requirement for a referral or oversight by a physician or healthcare practitioner.
2. Improved Access to Services
The bill allows qualified audiologists to offer their services directly to Medicare beneficiaries, which means that patients would not need a doctor's referral to receive audiology services. This change is intended to simplify access to care for seniors who need hearing assessments and treatment.
3. Payment Structure
The bill modifies the payment system for audiology services under Medicare:
- It establishes that Medicare will cover 80% of the lesser of the actual charge or a predetermined fee schedule amount for audiology services.
- This ensures that patients are responsible for only 20% of the costs, making it more affordable.
4. Inclusion in Rural and FQHCs (Federally Qualified Health Centers)
The bill expands the eligibility of qualified audiologists to be recognized as practitioners within Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). This inclusion aims to enhance availability in underserved areas.
5. Limitations on Scope Expansion
The bill clearly states that it does not intend to broaden the range of services that audiologists can provide beyond what is currently permissible as of December 31, 2026.
6. Effective Date
The changes outlined in this bill will take effect for services rendered on or after January 1, 2027.
Relevant Companies
- EPD - Enterprise Products Partners L.P. may see implications through their healthcare offerings.
- MEDP - Medpace Holdings, Inc., a clinical research organization that may be indirectly affected by changes in healthcare compliance and service demands.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
9 bill sponsors
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Apr. 09, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Apr. 09, 2025 | Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. |
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