Medicaid Work Requirements Rule Could Affect Access to Hearing Healthcare

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued an Interim Final Rule implementing Medicaid work requirements for certain adult beneficiaries beginning in 2027. Under the policy, many adults enrolled through Medicaid expansion will be required to document work, education, job training, or other qualifying activities to maintain coverage.

While the stated goal is to encourage workforce participation, the rule raises important concerns for the hearing healthcare community. For many low-income adults with hearing loss, Medicaid provides critical access to diagnostic audiology services, hearing aids (where covered), auditory rehabilitation, and related healthcare services.

The Academy has long advocated policies that improve access to hearing healthcare and reduce barriers to care. Untreated hearing loss is associated with communication difficulties, reduced employment opportunities, social isolation, and poorer health outcomes. Individuals with hearing loss may face unique challenges complying with reporting requirements, particularly if communication barriers make it difficult to receive notices, navigate administrative processes, or document eligibility.

Although the rule includes exemptions for certain individuals with disabilities and medical conditions, it remains unclear how states will apply those exemptions to individuals with significant hearing loss who may not otherwise meet disability standards.

As states begin implementing these requirements, the Academy will continue to monitor their effect on access to hearing healthcare and advocate policies that ensure individuals with hearing loss do not lose coverage because of administrative barriers. Protecting access to audiology services remains essential to improving health outcomes, supporting workforce participation, and advancing the Academy’s commitment to patient-centered hearing healthcare.