Ways and Means Committee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation proposes to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act by removing the current exclusion of Medicare coverage for hearing aids and examinations related to them. This significant change would ensure that beneficiaries can receive coverage for these essential items and services, with the new provisions taking effect for items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2026 . Furthermore, the bill mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study on programs, including federal and health insurance coverage, that assist individuals with hearing loss in obtaining hearing aids and related examinations. This study will assess the number of individuals needing hearing aids, their current coverage, and the effectiveness of existing programs, potentially including those designed to mitigate hearing loss. A report detailing the study's findings and offering recommendations for program changes or new initiatives must be submitted to Congress within 18 months of the coverage effective date.
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.
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.
Health
Congressional oversightGovernment studies and investigationsHealth technology, devices, suppliesHearing, speech, and vision careMedical tests and diagnostic methodsMedicare
Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-500| House
| Updated: 1/16/2025
This legislation proposes to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act by removing the current exclusion of Medicare coverage for hearing aids and examinations related to them. This significant change would ensure that beneficiaries can receive coverage for these essential items and services, with the new provisions taking effect for items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2026 . Furthermore, the bill mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a comprehensive study on programs, including federal and health insurance coverage, that assist individuals with hearing loss in obtaining hearing aids and related examinations. This study will assess the number of individuals needing hearing aids, their current coverage, and the effectiveness of existing programs, potentially including those designed to mitigate hearing loss. A report detailing the study's findings and offering recommendations for program changes or new initiatives must be submitted to Congress within 18 months of the coverage effective date.
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.
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.