The State Policy Advocate Network (SPAN) will convene again on July 29 for a critical meeting about Medicaid funding. SPAN brings together nationwide audiologists and advocates dedicated to advancing the profession and protecting patient access to hearing health care. Meeting quarterly, this network provides a platform for discussing pressing state-level policy issues, sharing best practices, and coordinating efforts to influence legislation and regulations across all 50 states.
This quarter’s meeting will center on the urgent issue of proposed federal Medicaid cuts. This budget bill, currently under consideration in Congress, seeks to significantly reduce federal Medicaid spending—an action that would inevitably lead to funding shortfalls at the state level. Decisions made in Washington, D.C. will directly impact state budgets and could trigger rollbacks in audiology coverage, affecting provider reimbursement, access to diagnostic services, and ultimately, patient outcomes. To help navigate this challenge, SPAN will host a special guest speaker, who will provide insights into Medicaid funding, this legislation’s projected impact, and how to best prepare for these cuts.
If you are passionate about audiology, public policy, and protecting access to care, now is the time to participate in SPAN. Your voice matters—and together, our collective advocacy can make a difference. For more information or to get involved with SPAN, please contact the Academy using the link below.
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