House Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Medicare Audiology Access
The House version of the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act was introduced by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Matt Cartwright (D-PA).
Category: Legislation
Legislation
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Legislation
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AAA Provides Tips for OTC Hearing Aid Purchases
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule change that would allow a class of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids to be available to adult consumers directly without the care and guidance of a hearing health professional. By mid-October, consumers will be able to purchase over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC HAs) online and at big-box stores, pharmacies, and even through your audiologist.
Legislation
Latest
Kansas Senate Updates Hearing Loss Terminology
The Kansas Senate approved a final bill that updates the term “hearing impairment” to “hard of hearing” in state statute, according to an article in the “Kansas Reflector.”
Maine Bill Would Mandate CMV Testing in Newborns
A new bill winding its way through the Maine Legislature would make newborn screenings for cytomegalovirus (CMV) compulsory in the state, according to an article on the “News Center Maine (WCSH)” website.
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Starkey Releases Statement Addressing Biden’s Competition Council Announcement
A statement from Starkey President Brandon Sawalich addresses President Biden’s announcement about the White House Competition Council, which was established by the July 2021 Promoting Competition in the American Economy executive order advancing US economic competition.
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Eargo Supports Proposed Rule for OTC Hearing Aids
Eargo, Inc (Nasdaq: EAR), a medical device company on a mission to improve the quality of life of people with hearing loss, announced the submission of public comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concerning its proposed rule to create a new regulatory category of over the counter (OTC) hearing aids.
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HLAA Files Comments to FDA for OTC Hearing Aid Rule
The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) announced that it filed comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its proposed rule establishing Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids. Once finalized by the FDA, consumers 18 and older with mild-to- moderate hearing loss will be able to purchase hearing aids at retail and online outlets.
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NAAG Urges FDA to Preserve State Regulation of OTC Hearing Aids
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) cautions that OTC hearing aid rules currently under review by the FDA may unintentionally hinder or repeal important consumer protection authorities, undermining states’ ability to ensure safe and affordable access to hearing aids. Currently, all 50 states have hearing professional licensing requirements and many have important protections for hearing aid consumers, including advertising restrictions, as well as mandatory warrantees and returns.
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HIA Responds to Proposed FDA OTC Hearing Aid Rule
The Hearing Industries Association (HIA) announced that it has submitted comments in response to the proposed over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid rules published by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 20, 2021.
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Justice Department Settles with Hospital Over ‘ADA’ Complaint
The settlement resolves a complaint by a deaf patient who alleged that despite her requests for an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter for her labor and delivery, Advent failed to provide an interpreter or any other communication aid or service.
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ACI Alliance Supports Passage of 2021 ‘EDHI Act’
The House of Representatives passed “HR 5561, the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2021,” on a 410-17 vote. The bill would reauthorize the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the ACI Alliance said in its announcement.
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Senate Mulls “Build Back Better Act” and Coverage of Hearing Aids by Medicare
The $1.9 trillion Build Back Better Act was passed by the US House of Representatives on Friday, November 19, and is now with the Senate for what is sure to be a bumpy ride. The bill includes coverage of hearing aids once every 5 years for people with severe to profound hearing loss, as well as funding for universal preschool, expanded Child Tax Credits, several health and pandemic-related initiatives, renewable energy credits, and more.
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“Build Back Better” Infrastructure Bill Includes Medicare Hearing Care Coverage
The “Build Back Better” legislation being considered by Congress would provide Medicare coverage of hearing aids and services once per ear every 5 years, and now includes audiologists, hearing aid specialists, and other qualified healthcare providers.
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OTC Looms and Congress Eyes Including Hearing Aids in Medicare
A review of the recent legislative pushes for establishing rules for OTC hearing aids and the expansion of Medicare to cover hearing, vision, and dental services.
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Starkey Launches ‘Listen Carefully’ Initiative
Starkey announced the launch of Listen Carefully, an initiative aimed at “bridging the conversation between hearing healthcare providers and lawmakers in Washington, DC.”
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‘NBC News’ Article Discusses OTC Hearing Aids
A recent article appearing on the “NBC News” website by Phil Galewitz with “Kaiser Health News,” discusses the expansion of over-the-counter hearing devices currently on the market for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, in the absence of FDA regulations governing the 2017 “Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Law.”
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Brandon Sawalich Discusses Impact of Biden Executive Order on Morning Consult
An opinion article published on the data intelligence company Morning Consult’s website by Starkey President Brandon Sawalich discusses some “misconceptions about hearing aids” following President Biden’s recent executive order on competition.
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Proposed Medicare Expansion May Include Hearing Coverage
An article on the “NPR” website discusses a proposed expansion of Medicare that would potentially include coverage for dental, hearing, and vision benefits. An outline of an upcoming budget bill directing the Senate Finance Committee to put forth the expansion was released by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday.
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