Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025

Key Points

• Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare patients could go directly to an audiologist for hearing and balance care without needing a referral from a doctor first. Audiologists would be allowed to provide any diagnostic or treatment services they are licensed to perform under state law.
• The bill expands the definition of covered audiology services under Medicare. Before 2027, only hearing and balance assessments are covered, but afterward, both diagnostic and treatment services would qualify for payment.
• Medicare would pay 80% of the cost for these audiology visits, the same rate as most other outpatient services. Patients would be responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance.
• The bill adds audiologists to the list of approved providers at rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers, making hearing care more accessible for people in underserved communities.
• The bill includes a safeguard to make sure the new coverage does not go beyond what audiologists are already trained and licensed to do. It does not expand services available to other types of providers.