Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act Reintroduced

Bipartisan legislation to modernize Medicare coverage of audiology services was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last week. The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act would eliminate the outdated physician order requirement, reclassify audiologists as practitioners under Medicare, and ensure coverage of both diagnostic and treatment services that audiologists are licensed to provide. These changes would streamline access to care, reduce patient costs, and support continuity of care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries.

The American Academy of Audiology, Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA), and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) issued a joint statement in strong support of the bill and the critical role audiologists play in managing hearing and balance conditions.