Ally’s Act
Rep. Neguse Introduces Ally’s Act to Require Insurance Coverage for Hearing Implants
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill, called Ally’s Act, would require private health insurance companies to pay for specialized hearing devices known as auditory implants. This includes cochlear implants and bone conduction systems, which are often more complex and expensive than standard hearing aids.
- Beyond just the device, insurance would have to cover the surgery to put it in, follow-up doctor visits, and therapy to help the person learn to use the device. It also requires coverage for repairs, maintenance, and a new or upgraded device every five years.
- Insurance companies would be banned from charging higher copays or setting stricter limits for these hearing devices compared to other medical surgeries. If a doctor or audiologist says the implant is medically necessary, the insurance company cannot deny the claim.
- If passed, these rules would apply to almost all private health plans, including those provided by employers and plans that existed before the Affordable Care Act. The new coverage requirements would start for most people on January 1, 2026.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small businesses that offer group health insurance to employees would see their plans required to cover hearing implant devices and related services. While this is a benefit for employees who need hearing devices, it could lead to modest premium increases for small employers. The mandate applies broadly to group health plans, so small business owners would have no option to exclude this coverage.
Programs
Disabilities
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Education and Workforce, and 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.
Related News
4 articlesSurgeons' group heads to Congress in patient advocacy push
Surgeons from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery are urging lawmakers to pass Ally’s Act, which would require private insurers to cover bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants.
ASHA Advocate: August 8, 2025
U.S. Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) has reintroduced ASHA-supported legislation known as Ally’s Act (H.R. 4606). This bill would require private insurers to cover osseointegrated hearing devices (including bone-anchored hearing aids and cochlear implants) and related services.
Ally's Act: Mandating Broader Access to Auditory Equipment and Services
Recently introduced to the House of Representatives on July 22, 2025, H.R. 4606, known as 'Ally’s Act,' is poised to bring significant changes to health insurance coverage concerning hearing devices and systems, mandating coverage for implants and associated services.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Ally’s Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(83)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.