Bipartisan Medicare Bill Promises Relief for Audiology Providers

Audiologists and other health-care providers have faced growing financial challenges due to Medicare payments that haven’t kept pace with inflation. In late October, the bipartisan bill Medicare Patient Access and Stabilization Act (H.R. 10073), led by Representative Greg Murphy (R-NC), was introduced to provide much-needed relief. If passed, beginning in 2025 the bill would introduce annual Medicare payment updates based on the Medicare Economic Index, helping to offset rising operational costs.

This legislation promises to stabilize finances for providers, allowing audiologists to continue delivering quality care while keeping their practices viable. Many physician and provider organizations support this effort as a first step toward comprehensive reform of the Medicare payment system. This initiative is especially critical given the combined effects of inflation and ongoing cuts, which have jeopardized the financial sustainability of practices and their ability to maintain accessible, high-quality services for Medicare patients.

To help this bill get across the finish line in 2024, the Academy has created a messaging campaign for our members to reach out to Congress. Audiologists across the nation can voice their support for H.R. 10073 by emailing their members of Congress and urging them to support this important legislation. Please visit our Legislative Action Center to send your message today!