Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025

Key Points

• This bill would let Medicare patients see an audiologist for hearing and balance care without needing a referral from a doctor first. Currently, Medicare often requires a physician to sign off before a patient can access audiology services, creating delays and extra costs.
• Starting January 1, 2027, Medicare would cover both hearing assessments and treatment services provided by audiologists. Right now, Medicare covers limited diagnostic testing but not most treatment provided by audiologists, which leaves many seniors paying entirely out of pocket for hearing care.
• The bill would let audiologists practice in rural health clinics and federally qualified health centers, which could make it easier for people in rural areas to access hearing and balance care without long drives to see a specialist.
• Medicare would cover 80% of audiology service costs, with patients paying the remaining 20% coinsurance. This is the standard Medicare Part B cost-sharing structure used for most outpatient services.
• The bill has bipartisan support with sponsors from both parties, including Warren, Paul, Grassley, Shaheen, Welch, King, Klobuchar, and Booker, and has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.