Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025
Rep. Bilirakis Introduces Bill to Let Medicare Patients See Audiologists Without a Referral
This bill was recently introduced in the House and is currently being reviewed by the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on Ways and Means. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and is considered active. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Similar bills have been introduced before without passing, and any change that might increase Medicare costs faces a difficult path through Congress.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Programs
Medicare beneficiaries with hearing or balance problems would gain direct access to audiologists without needing a doctor's referral, removing a barrier that currently delays care. The expanded coverage for treatment services (not just assessments) could reduce out-of-pocket costs and make it easier to get hearing aids fitted, balance disorders treated, and other audiology care. Roughly 30 million older Americans have some degree of hearing loss, so this could meaningfully improve access for a significant share of the 67 million Medicare population.
“A qualified audiologist shall be permitted to furnish such audiology services without regard to any requirement that the individual receiving such audiology services is under the care of (or referred by) a physician or other health care practitioner”
Disabilities
Milestones
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.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
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