Bill 118 s 2377, also known as the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023, aims to improve access to audiology services for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill seeks to address the current limitations in coverage for audiology services under Medicare by allowing audiologists to provide certain services without the need for a physician referral.
Specifically, the bill would allow Medicare beneficiaries direct access to audiologists for services such as hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings, and hearing aid adjustments. This would streamline the process for beneficiaries seeking these services and eliminate unnecessary barriers to care.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to expand coverage for hearing aids under Medicare, making them more affordable and accessible to beneficiaries. This is particularly important as hearing loss is a common issue among older adults and can have a significant impact on quality of life.
Overall, the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023 aims to improve access to essential audiology services for Medicare beneficiaries, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and overall health outcomes.