Hearing Device Coverage Clarification Act

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Bill 119 s 983, also known as the "Middle Ear Hearing Device Prosthetics Clarification Act," aims to address a specific issue related to Medicare coverage for implanted active middle ear hearing devices. The bill directs the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify that these devices should be classified as prosthetics, rather than hearing aids, under the Medicare program.

Currently, Medicare has an exclusion for coverage of hearing aids, which can be a barrier for individuals who require implanted active middle ear hearing devices to improve their hearing. By reclassifying these devices as prosthetics, this bill seeks to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the necessary coverage for these important medical devices.

The purpose of this legislation is to provide clarity and guidance to Medicare providers and beneficiaries regarding the coverage of implanted active middle ear hearing devices. By removing the confusion surrounding the classification of these devices, the bill aims to improve access to essential hearing technology for individuals who rely on these devices for improved quality of life. Overall, the Middle Ear Hearing Device Prosthetics Clarification Act is a targeted and important piece of legislation that seeks to address a specific issue within the Medicare program to ensure that individuals who require implanted active middle ear hearing devices have access to the coverage they need.