H.R. 500: Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025
This bill, known as the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025, aims to amend the Social Security Act to expand Medicare coverage regarding hearing aids and the associated examinations. Here are the main points of the bill:
Removal of Coverage Exclusion
The bill intends to eliminate the existing exclusion within Medicare that currently prevents coverage for hearing aids and the examinations required to obtain them. Specifically, it would amend Section 1862(a)(7) of the Social Security Act by removing the phrase that explicitly excludes "hearing aids or examinations therefor." This change would allow Medicare to cover these services beginning January 1, 2026.
Study on Hearing Aid Programs
In addition to the coverage changes, the bill mandates that the Comptroller General of the United States conduct a comprehensive study on programs that provide assistance for hearing aids and related examinations. The study will focus on:
- Identifying the number of individuals in the United States who require hearing aids and their current coverage under federal and private programs.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of these programs in meeting the needs of individuals with hearing loss.
- Investigating existing programs aimed at reducing or mitigating hearing loss.
The findings from this study will be reported to Congress within 18 months of the effective date of the coverage change. The report may also include recommendations for new programs or modifications to existing ones to better serve individuals with hearing loss.
Implementation Timeline
The changes brought about by this legislation will take effect on January 1, 2026. After this date, individuals eligible for Medicare will have access to coverage for hearing aids and the necessary evaluations.
Potential Implications
This legislation would potentially impact the way hearing aids are accessed and financed for Medicare beneficiaries, aiming to improve both availability and affordability of these essential devices and services.
Relevant Companies
- DEO - Companies that produce hearing aids may see a direct impact from an increased demand for their products as more individuals gain access to coverage under Medicare.
- HSIC - Health sciences companies involved in diagnostic equipment and audiology may experience changes in service utilization related to Medicare coverage.
This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.
Sponsors
25 bill sponsors
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TrackDebbie Dingell
Sponsor
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TrackJanelle Bynum
Co-Sponsor
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TrackSheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Co-Sponsor
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TrackJames E. Clyburn
Co-Sponsor
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TrackLloyd Doggett
Co-Sponsor
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TrackBrian K. Fitzpatrick
Co-Sponsor
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TrackRaúl M. Grijalva
Co-Sponsor
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TrackJosh Harder
Co-Sponsor
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TrackJahana Hayes
Co-Sponsor
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TrackJonathan L. Jackson
Co-Sponsor
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TrackHenry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr.
Co-Sponsor
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TrackJohn B. Larson
Co-Sponsor
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TrackMichael Lawler
Co-Sponsor
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TrackTed Lieu
Co-Sponsor
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TrackStephen F. Lynch
Co-Sponsor
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TrackDoris O. Matsui
Co-Sponsor
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TrackKristen McDonald Rivet
Co-Sponsor
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TrackLaMonica McIver
Co-Sponsor
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TrackJared Moskowitz
Co-Sponsor
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TrackKevin Mullin
Co-Sponsor
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TrackEleanor Holmes Norton
Co-Sponsor
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TrackMark Pocan
Co-Sponsor
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TrackJanice D. Schakowsky
Co-Sponsor
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TrackAdam Smith
Co-Sponsor
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TrackRashida Tlaib
Co-Sponsor
Actions
2 actions
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Jan. 16, 2025 | Introduced in House |
| Jan. 16, 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. |
Corporate Lobbying
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