Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025
Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would expand Medicare coverage to allow audiologists (hearing specialists) to provide certain diagnostic and treatment services directly to patients without requiring a physician's referral or supervision. Currently, Medicare has restrictions on what services audiologists can provide independently. The bill would allow audiologists to offer the same hearing-related services that doctors can provide, making these services more accessible. **Who It Affects:** Medicare beneficiaries (primarily seniors age 65+) would benefit by gaining easier access to audiology services.
Audiologists would gain expanded practice rights, allowing them to serve patients more directly. The change could also affect healthcare costs, as it might reduce the need for doctor visits for hearing-related issues and allow patients to see hearing specialists more conveniently. **Current Status:** The bill (HR 2757) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2025This bill provides for Medicare coverage of certain audiology services. Specifically, the bill expands coverage to include diagnostic and treatment services that are furnished by audiologists and that would otherwise be covered if provided by a physician, including incidental services, regardless of whether such services are provided pursuant to a referral from, or under the supervision of, a physician or other health care practitioner.
Latest Action
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.